Amanda Hughes

Hello, I’m Amanda Hughes, the founder and owner of House of Equilibrium and I've been helping clients to feel better inside and out since 2011.

My role has embodied many hats over the years including Holistic Practitioner, Massage Therapist, Pilates Teacher, Mindfulness Teacher and Boxing Fitness Instructor. All of which come together as I work with you through mindful movement, massage therapy and relaxation techniques, to boost your mental and physical wellbeing helping you lead a healthier, happier life.

My Story

After many years battling with anxiety and depression fuelled by work related stress and fatigue, I made the decision in 2010 to put my health first, left my pressurised job and retrained in the world of Complementary Therapies.

This is where my journey began when I qualified through VTCT as a Level 3 Complementary Therapist. After working with clients with more specific needs and requirements, I returned to my studies and obtained a Level 4 qualification in Sports Therapy Massage. This gave me a thorough understanding of not only specialized massage techniques but also advanced anatomy & physiology, body mechanics and psychology, enabling me to develop and grow as a therapist.

To keep my health and wellbeing in check I started researching nutrition, relaxation techniques and practicing Mindfulness. I then went on to attend an NHS led 8 week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy programme (MBCT) followed by distance learning (including self-study) and gained a Diploma in Mindfulness.

I created House of Equilibrium in 2011 to help people improve their mental as well as physical health primarily through Complementary Therapies. I initially worked from a room at home and also offered a mobile service. As my knowledge, experience and confidence grew in this field I started working alongside other wellbeing practitioners including an Osteopath to complement their services.

My therapies also took me off into Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to host Corporate Wellbeing days for businesses as part of their health and wellbeing initiatives.

In 2016 I broadened my skillset further qualifying as a Level 3 Mat Pilates Teacher and Boxing Fitness Instructor. This gave me the opportunity to further assist clients off the massage couch and help them develop awareness and a healthy mind and body through movement.

In October 2018 I opened Boutique Pilates & Wellness Studio in Ripley and hosted small group Pilates classes, meditation groups, as well as a range of Complementary Therapies. I also collaborated with like minded health and wellbeing professionals to share our experiences, knowledge and expertise through support groups and educational workshops.

During the next 2 years I encountered several life changing events, which severely impacted my health. I was also diagnosed with bilateral hip osteoarthritis leaving me with excruciating nerve and joint pain leading to the closure of Boutique Pilates & Wellness in December 2019.

In March 2020, after researching and writing my own rehabilitation programmes to strengthen my mind and body I opened “The Garden Room”, in Holbrook, Belper. It was a tranquil space providing bespoke services in Massage Therapy, Private Pilates lessons and Wellbeing packages. This was short lived due to the Coronavirus outbreak with its restrictions, it had to close.

I used this time productively, moving my Pilates classes online as well as creating an online health and wellness programme. The aim was to help people stay connected, healthy and happy during these uncertain times and I succeeded in building a small inclusive, supportive online community.

Since coming out of lockdown in 2021 I have seen the huge impact it has had on our mental and physical wellbeing. With this in mind I've continued to develop and deliver a variety of Wellbeing packages for individuals, groups and businesses to help manage this.

August 2024 I temporarily closed the business to have my first total hip replacement as the symptoms experienced from my hip osteoarthritis became too debilitating. Three months later the other hip was also replaced. Whilst in recovery I researched and attended online workshops to study pre/post rehabilitation for total hip replacements and wrote my own rehab programmes.

January 2025 I started working with (and continue to) a sports rehabilitation physio at the Human Performance Centre at Derby University to help me get back into peak condition, building on my knowledge of hip conditions and rehabilitation. A service I will be providing to clients in the near future.

And here we are, the present day. I’m now fully bionic, midway through recovery and feeling very grateful for this fresh start. I’m so looking forward to regaining full health and returning to what I love doing the most, helping you lovely lot become stronger, healthier and happier inside and out!

If I haven’t already, I look forward to meeting you soon with a big warm smile on my face!

Amanda Hughes Founder & Owner @ House of Equilibrium