In Conversation with Louise Buttler, founder of LIVE BRAVE Pilates
I think we all realise the true importance of staying fit and mobile, making sure we find time in our busy schedule to prioritise exercise. This is why we love and can't recommend LIVE BRAVE enough. The online Pilates platform that has a refreshing, personal and community-led approach to exercising and creating healthy routines that easily slot into a busy week....just what we need! We caught up with LIVE BRAVE founder, Louise Buttler, to chat all things work/live balance and what Living Brave means to her.
Tell us a little about yourself...
Hey everyone, I’m Lou, mum to Gigi, Maggie, and Charlie, and wife to Jos, whom I’ve known since we were 14. I’m the founder of LIVE BRAVE, an online Pilates platform powered by an incredible team. We’ve just opened our first reformer studio here in the Cotswolds, where we live, and we’re so excited about it!
No two days are ever the same, which keeps things fun and a little chaotic!
Today, for example, I was up at 5:30 am to teach a live Pilates class with our members (my favourite way to start the day). By 7:45, the kids were fed, dressed, and out the door to school and nursery. Back home, I handed over baby Charlie and jumped into teaching two reformer classes.
After that, I inhaled a big cuppa, eggs, spinach, avocado and tomatoes, then dove into meetings and admin. I always try to block out time for fresh air or a quick Pilates session in the middle of the day.
Evenings are bonkers—bath time and bedtime are full-on! But once they’re all tucked in by 7 pm, I love to wind down with a cold glass of white wine, and I love cooking.
Honestly, hearing from our members about how Pilates has transformed their lives—both physically and mentally—makes me so proud. That’s what it’s all about.
And of course, becoming a mum. It's been the most incredible journey. I'm constantly learning, and every day I feel so grateful to be their mum.
I absolutely love the buzz of it and wearing a hundred different hats. Seeing an idea come to life, especially when it helps people, is amazing. Unlike in a big corporate world, you can move fast and be creative without red tape—and I love that.
My parents, 100%. They ran their own business, and their work ethic and passion made a big impression on me.
My husband is also one of the most determined people I know, and my team constantly gives me the confidence to dream big and go for it. It really is true—surround yourself with good people.
Oh, there have been tears—definitely! Running a business with a young family isn’t always smooth sailing. One of the hardest things? Focusing. We’re bursting with ideas, and sometimes it’s tough to stay grounded and not run in every direction at once. But those challenges make the good bits even sweeter.
Yoga and Pilates in Corfu, with sunshine, sea air, and a Mediterranean diet. Heaven!
My mum. Now that I’m a mum myself, I look back and think—how did she do it all? She made it look so easy, always had a smile, and created a fun, loving home for us. She’s magic.
My husband once told me: It’s okay to say no. When you say no to something, you’re saying yes to something else. Saying no to a dinner out might mean saying yes to reading bedtime stories and having a long, peaceful bath. That really stuck with me.
Tough one—but probably the roll-up. It feels like giving your spine a big hug. So nourishing, especially after a long day.
So hard to choose—they’re all beautiful! But I love the Westwick gold bracelet you can engrave with your family’s initials. It’s simple, personal, and full of meaning.
Being unapologetically yourself. Showing up, flaws and all, and choosing courage over perfection.
AUREE X LIVE BRAVE GIVEAWAY
Auree Jewellery & LIVE BRAVE Pilates have joined forces to give one lucky person the chance to win an exclusive prize worth over £400.
