Meet the Team - Emma Cowan
Every month, we’re putting the spotlight on one of our amazing instructors and giving you the chance to get to know the person behind the classes a little better. This month, let us introduce… Emma!
If you’re not a member yet and want to see what an Emma class is all about, follow these steps to book a class:
Visit our website: Go to pilatescomplete.se and click on the schedule tab.
Filter the schedule: At the top of the schedule, click on the "Alla tränare" dropdown.
Select the trainer: Choose Emma Cowan to view all of her upcoming classes (available to book 21 days in advance).
Book your class: Click the button that says “ EMMANOV” for your chosen class.
Apply the code: Enter the campaign code "EMMANOV" at checkout to test a free class with Emma.
Please note: This code is only valid once per user.
Get to know Emma better below:
How long have you been teaching at Pilates Complete?
It must be 11 years now, and I can wholeheartedly say I’ve loved every single day, month, and year at the studio.
How did you start teaching at Pilates Complete?
Like many of my colleagues, I came in through the amazing Jasmin Salhi and Linda Ahlgren—my original mentors and the former studio owners 💕
I started my Pilates teacher training and educations in Arizona, and worked as a studio receptionist in California. When I moved to Sweden, I knew I wanted to continue working within Pilates and just be immersed in a studio environment. I originally contacted Jasmin and Linda for a simple work-trade, where I would help around the studio in exchange for taking classes. We clicked instantly!
After that, I spent seven years learning so much of what I know through them. I began working with them more closely, furthering my education under their guidance, and learning exactly how to run and manage the studio. I’ll forever be grateful for what they created, and I am honored to carry the torch forward in leading the premier Pilates studio in Gothenburg, Sweden. Now, I’m a co-owner of the studio, running everything behind the scenes with Kate and Neil Croxton.
What classes do you teach?
Just about everything! Personal training, Reformer, Chair, Mat, Props, Ball/Rulle, and occasionally Barre if absolutely needed. 😅 Next term, I’ll be adding myself to the Pilates Weight schedule, and this term we’re launching a Pilates Runners Club, which I’m super excited about.
I definitely strive to bring the "Complete" to Pilates Complete. To me, modern Pilates is such an amazing, intelligent system of movement that’s constantly evolving. We love honoring that depth at the studio where we blend technique with functional strength and full-body conditioning for a practice that leaves you feeling completely integrated.
What’s your favorite Pilates exercise?
I really enjoy shoulder stabilizing exercises. In my reformer classes you’ll usually preform side arm series and work through internal and external rotation of the scapula. I love chest expansion series on the reformer and also front rowing work. On any mat type class we’ll work through kneeling swim, breast stroke, or spinal rotation where shoulder technique is necessary. Now on the chair I enjoy elevation depression using the handles.
A lot of my work takes place in front of a computer so anything I can do to find opening and length through the back and front of the shoulders I like. I find most of my clients work or move in similar ways. No matter what we always work full body in my classes but shoulders and chest openings are my favorite.
What’s your best tip for our members?
Really take the time to learn the principles and understand the technique. Incorporate everything we offer to really condition the whole body and find balance in your practice. Try every class and move with all our different instructors as much as possible! We all teach differently, and we all have unique focuses and cueing, but we all genuinely love what we do.
What do you love most about being an instructor?
Helping others and inspiring them to move. I’m definitely a technique nerd, so I love teaching technique! I try to encourage everyone to get into the details as much as possible so they develop their practice and learn something new after every single class.
What’s one thing members might be surprised to learn about you?
Mmm, I’m not sure if there’s anything truly surprising. Those who know me know that I’m really into astrology but I don’t think that’s so unique. I collect a lot of books on the subject and when I hear someone’s birthdate I start to analyze traits maybe that person shows!under that sign. I think it’s a fun framework to understand and learn how to meet people and interact with them. I am a Sagittarius sun, ascending libra, and Scorpio moon. Take from that what you will!
Another thing is that I’ve taken 4 separate educations within Pilates.
Classical matwork at coconino community college in flagstaff Arizona, Merrithew, Mat 1 & 2, Reformer 1 & 2, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel, Injuries and Special Populations, Pilates Complete Education (created by Jasmin Salhi & Linda Ahlgren), Pilates Center Academy: Mat & Reformer.
PCA is also developing further into their education program to create a fully rounded curriculum and I’ll most likely complete that.
I love educations and always strive to learn more.
Thats very Sagittarius of me 😅
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Cuddling with my 10-year-old Amstaff puppy, Snoop; blabbing on the phone for hours with my best friends and family back in the States; and hanging out with my boyfriend, Henrik. I also love watching any and all Real Housewives shows!
To stay active, I love working out both at home or at the studio, going for runs or walks, I also like meditation, breath work, and journaling. My absolute favorite thing to do is to swim the lake year round. Coming from sunny Arizona and California, learning to immerse myself in the cold completely changed my relationship with the Swedish seasons. I absolutely love cold bathing.
When I initially took over the studio, I couldn’t spend as much time doing those things I love. Luckily, in the last year, Henrik, Snoop, and I moved out to a house in nature next to a lake where I can truly unwind, relax, and have all my hobbies right at my fingertips. I also enjoy reading, though over the last few years but I’m lucky if Im inspired to pick up one or two books a year... I should probably start reading more and watching less Housewives! Finally, I love cooking Mexican food and experimenting in the kitchen in general—even if I’m not a great chef!
