Finding Balance Through Movement, Breath and Mindset: A Conversation with Heather Jenkins

The health and wellness industry is evolving. While fitness once focused heavily on aesthetics and performance, there is now a growing appreciation for nervous system health, mental wellbeing, mindfulness, and sustainable movement practices.

In a recent episode of The Art of Pilates Podcast, I sat down with Heather Jenks—a Pilates teacher, yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, mindset coach, presenter, MC, mental health advocate, and Partnerships Manager at AusActive.

Heather's journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and a deep commitment to helping people reconnect with themselves through movement, breath, and self-awareness.

More Than Just a Pilates Teacher

When asked how she describes what she does, Heather laughed and referred to herself as "an amalgamation of resources."

Her work combines movement, Pilates, yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, human design, mindset coaching, and mental health advocacy. Rather than viewing these as separate disciplines, she sees them as complementary tools that help people better understand themselves and navigate life's challenges.

For Heather, wellness isn't about mastering one modality—it's about integrating multiple approaches to support the whole person.

A Personal Journey Through Body Image and Self-Worth

Heather's path into the fitness industry began long before she became a teacher.

She started ballet at just two-and-a-half years old and spent much of her childhood involved in dance, sport, and performance. However, behind the scenes, she struggled with body image and developed an eating disorder as a teenager.

Like many young women growing up in appearance-focused environments, Heather experienced the pressure to fit a particular ideal. She later moved into competitive bodybuilding, which she now describes as another form of highly controlled eating.

Over time, she realised there had to be a healthier middle ground.

This experience sparked a passion for helping others move away from extremes and develop a more compassionate relationship with their bodies.

As Heather shared:

"We're learning that we don't need to become smaller. We can take up space."

The Power of Performance Training

One of the most fascinating parts of Heather's story is her background in theatre and performance.

These experiences taught her how to command a room, use her voice effectively, and connect with audiences. Today, those skills help her guide movement classes, facilitate breathwork sessions, and present at conferences around Australia.

She believes that teaching is about more than delivering information. It's about creating an experience, telling a story, and making people feel seen and engaged.

Performance training also taught her something many instructors struggle with:

Confidence comes from practice.

The more we speak, teach, and put ourselves out there, the more comfortable we become.

Why Breathwork Matters

One of Heather's biggest passions right now is breathwork.

She believes that many people are craving practices that help them slow down and reconnect with themselves because modern life constantly pulls their attention elsewhere.

Our phones, emails, notifications, schedules, and responsibilities rarely give us a chance to simply be present.

Breathwork offers a powerful antidote.

Unlike many forms of exercise, it requires no equipment, no technology, and no external validation.

It simply requires presence.

Heather shared two simple breathing techniques that anyone can use:

Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing

Take a deep breath in.

Then inhale a little more.

Pause.

Slowly exhale completely.

Repeat five or six times.

This technique helps activate the diaphragm, improve oxygen exchange, and calm the nervous system.

Box Breathing

• Inhale for 4 counts
• Hold for 4 counts
• Exhale for 4 counts
• Hold for 4 counts

Repeat for several minutes.

This simple practice can help reduce stress, improve focus, and bring attention back into the present moment.

Human Design and Self-Awareness

Another area Heather works with is Human Design.

While unfamiliar to many people, Human Design combines elements of astrology, energy systems, and personality frameworks to help people better understand how they interact with the world.

Heather uses Human Design as a tool for self-awareness and reflection.

She explained that it can help identify patterns in decision-making, communication, relationships, and energy management.

Whether or not someone fully embraces the system, she believes the process encourages people to become more curious about themselves—and that self-awareness is often where meaningful growth begins.

The Connection Between Pilates, Yoga and Breathwork

Heather sees Pilates, yoga, and breathwork as deeply connected.

All three encourage:

• Presence
• Intentional movement
• Body awareness
• Nervous system regulation
• Mind-body connection

In her mat Pilates classes, she often begins with several minutes of breathwork before movement begins.

Over time, she has watched participants become more comfortable with their bodies, their breathing, and themselves.

What once felt uncomfortable becomes natural.

People begin to soften, relax, and let go of self-consciousness.

Supporting Mental Health Through Movement

Mental health advocacy is another important part of Heather's work.

Earlier this year she participated in Laps for Life, swimming throughout March to raise funds for youth mental health and suicide prevention.

The cause became especially meaningful after her husband lost a close friend to suicide.

Heather raised more than $1,000 while challenging herself to swim regularly throughout the month.

For her, movement has always been a powerful tool during difficult periods.

She explained that when emotions feel stuck, movement helps create change.

Whether it's walking, swimming, yoga, dancing, or simply shaking out tension from the body, movement can interrupt negative thought patterns and create space for healing.

As she beautifully described:

"If I'm stuck where I am in space, then the thoughts are stuck too."

Creating Safer Spaces in Fitness

One of the most practical ideas Heather shared involved creating more supportive environments for clients.

She described a simple red-and-green card system used in some settings.

A green card indicates:

"I'm open to feedback, cueing, and interaction today."

A red card indicates:

"I'd prefer less attention and a quieter experience."

This simple concept acknowledges that people arrive at classes carrying different emotional loads and that instructors rarely know what's happening in someone's life.

Small adjustments can make fitness spaces more inclusive, especially for people experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, or sensory sensitivities.

Working With AusActive

As Partnerships Manager at AusActive, Heather plays a key role in supporting fitness professionals across Australia.

AusActive is Australia's peak industry body for exercise professionals, fitness businesses, educators, and training organisations.

The organisation focuses on:

• Professional standards
• Instructor registration
• Continuing education
• Industry advocacy
• Insurance support
• Promoting active lifestyles

Heather is passionate about helping the industry grow while ensuring professionals remain supported, educated, and connected.

The Future of Wellness

Looking ahead, Heather believes the wellness industry will continue to expand.

While trends will come and go, she believes the core principles of Pilates, yoga, breathwork, and mindful movement will remain.

People are increasingly seeking:

• Longevity
• Nervous system health
• Recovery
• Emotional wellbeing
• Meaningful connection

The studios and practitioners who focus on genuine outcomes rather than appearances will continue to thrive.

Advice for New Instructors

When asked what advice she would give new instructors entering the industry, Heather's answer was simple:

"Show up."

Attend events.

Meet people.

Ask questions.

Get involved.

Build genuine relationships.

Social media can be valuable, but nothing replaces face-to-face connection and authentic engagement.

Final Thoughts

One of the strongest messages throughout my conversation with Heather was that health is no longer about perfection.

It's about balance.

It's about understanding yourself.

It's about developing compassion for your body and mind.

Whether through Pilates, yoga, breathwork, movement, or mindfulness, the goal isn't to become someone else.

The goal is to become more fully yourself.

And perhaps that's where true wellbeing begins.

Listen to the Full Episode

To hear Heather's inspiring story, insights into breathwork and mindset, thoughts on mental health, and her vision for the future of wellness, listen to the full episode of The Art of Pilates Podcast here.