Specialist Pilates Instructor

Falon McLean

Falon McLean, Specialist Pilates Instructor at Gav Noble Physiotherapy

Falon McLean

Quick Facts

A Little More About Falon

Favourite condition to treat
General stiffness and reduced mobility — I enjoy helping people feel more confident in their movement.
Favourite hobby
Hiking in the Mournes
Tea or coffee
Coffee — always a flat white
Favourite music
Taylor Swift and Amble
Favourite food
A Sunday roast or Thai green curry
Dream holiday
Hiking in the Dolomites
Dogs or cats
Dogs — I am terrified of cats!
Favourite exercise
Running
Favourite half marathon
Carlingford — amazing coastal views!
Favourite book
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton — if you want a good laugh.
Best advice I have ever been given
No risk, no reward.
Favourite thing about working at Gav Noble Physiotherapy
Being part of a friendly and knowledgeable team that helps people move more comfortably, feel stronger and stay active.
In Conversation

In Falon's Words

Tell us a little about yourself.

I love getting outdoors, whether that is hiking in the Mournes or walking my cocker spaniel, Roco. I also enjoy travelling and going to concerts with friends. My favourite way to relax is a sea dip followed by a sauna.

What do you enjoy most about helping patients/clients?

It is really rewarding to see someone become stronger, improve their mobility or realise that they are capable of more than they initially thought. I especially enjoy seeing the difference that small, consistent changes can make to how someone feels in everyday life.

How would your patients/clients describe you?

I hope they would describe me as friendly, encouraging and approachable. I like to create a relaxed atmosphere where people feel comfortable asking questions, trying something new and working at their own level.

What is one piece of advice you wish everyone knew about pain or injuries?

Movement does not have to be intense to be beneficial. Gentle, consistent movement can be a really important part of rebuilding confidence and helping the body feel stronger.

What's your favourite success story?

One of my favourite success stories was helping a client improve their mobility so they could bend down and pick up their grandchild without experiencing the back pain they had struggled with before.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy Parkruns with friends, usually followed by a flat white and an almond croissant. I also love trying new restaurants and planning trips whenever I get the chance.

Favourite way to stay active?

I enjoy a combination of Pilates, running and strength training.

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

I used to be a rowing coxswain at university.

What made you fall in love with Pilates?

I initially started Pilates because of how well it complemented my running, supported my recovery while training for half marathons and improved my mobility for strength training. I also love how the breathwork encourages you to slow down, focus on your movement and completely switch off from everything else.

Who is Pilates suitable for?

Anyone and everyone! That is one of my favourite things about Pilates, it is so inclusive. Exercises can be adapted or modified to suit all ages, abilities and levels of experience.

Can complete beginners attend?

Absolutely. You do not need to be fit, flexible or have any previous Pilates experience. Everyone starts somewhere, and there are different modifications available so you can work at your own level and build gradually.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I love seeing people make progress and become more confident in their movement. It is especially rewarding when someone notices that an exercise feels easier, feels stronger or can do something they could not do when they first started.

What does a typical class with you look like?

My classes focus on controlled movement, strength and mobility, with different options and progressions throughout.

What's the biggest myth about Pilates?

That Pilates is only for women. The method was developed by Joseph Pilates and became popular among dancers and athletes to build strength, improve movement and support injury recovery.

What's your favourite Pilates exercise?

The clam is one of my favourites, and I love a good side-lying series. These exercises are really effective for strengthening the glutes and improving hip stability.

What do you hope every patient says about Gav Noble Physiotherapy after their Pilates class.

That they felt welcomed and supported and left feeling stronger and more mobile than when they arrived.