Finding Balance: The Mat Saves Me Every Time

From the pressures of social work and single motherhood to creating a thriving community studio, Carla Stephenson shares how movement and mindfulness became her path to strength, laughter and connection.

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Life was heavy.

I was a young single mum, juggling the demands of social work and raising my son, who has ADHD. The paperwork, the home visits, the distressing cases — it all took its toll. I loved supporting people, but the endless reports and emotional overload left little space for my own wellbeing.

I knew I still wanted to help others, but I needed a new way to do it — one that didn’t break me in the process. No more late-night case notes, no more feeling drained by the system. I wanted to use my social work degree differently: to support people through fitness, movement and emotional wellbeing.

That’s when Pilates and yoga became part of my life.

At first, it was about releasing stress — moving, breathing, finding a moment of peace after a tough day. But soon, it became more than that. The mat felt like home. A place where I could feel like myself again, where the simple act of breathing helped me let go of the day’s weight and reconnect with my body.

With a little help, I started teaching small classes in a local church hall, handing out flyers and inviting people to join me. I didn’t have a business plan — just a deep belief that movement could change lives.

Fifteen years later, that small idea has grown into Balance Fitt, a thriving community studio built on heart, laughter and genuine connection. It’s not just a place to work out — it’s a space where people find confidence, calm and belonging.

Our clients come from every walk of life — women rediscovering their strength after burnout, men finding mobility and stress relief, parents carving out an hour of peace. Some have been with us since the very beginning, fifteen years strong. That kind of loyalty says everything about what we’ve built together.

Pilates and yoga became part of my life

We laugh a lot. We cry sometimes. And yes — we talk about food constantly. From recipe swaps to debates over the best banana bread, our classes are full of real conversations about life, health and everything in between. Movement might bring people through the door, but community keeps them coming back.

Balance Fitt has become more than a studio; it’s a second home. There’s an honesty in the space — everyone shows up as they are. We celebrate progress, not perfection. We encourage slowing down, resting when needed, and moving because it feels good, not because we have to.

Running a business hasn’t been easy. There have been late nights, challenges and plenty of learning curves. But each difficulty has deepened my gratitude — for the people who support us, for the friendships formed, and for the quiet strength that grows from showing up every day.

The mat has carried me through relationship breakdowns, grief, motherhood, and self-doubt. It’s seen my tears, my laughter, and every version of myself along the way. And it continues to remind me that strength isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about releasing what no longer serves you.

Fifteen years on, I’m more in love with teaching than ever. Movement remains my therapy, my purpose, and my way of giving back — helping others to feel good in their bodies, steady in their minds, and supported by their community.

When we move together, breathe together and share space, something powerful happens. We’re not just exercising — we’re connecting, healing and building resilience, one class (and one conversation about snacks) at a time.