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LinkedinAlly Taylor runs boutique fitness studio Amovida with her husband Grant in East Horsley and recently won the award for Fitness Industry Luminary at The Heart and Soul Awards.
With more than 25 years of experience as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, Ally Taylor has dedicated her career to helping people feel stronger, healthier and more confident.
Today, she runs boutique fitness studio Amovida in East Horsley with her husband, Grant. The couple opened the studio in 2024, creating a welcoming space for people who may feel overlooked by mainstream fitness.
Ally recently won the Fitness Industry Luminary award at The Heart and Soul Awards, recognising her contribution to the fitness industry.
We caught up with Ally to find out more about her life, career and favourite places in the local area.
Hi Ally, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
My full name is Alethea and I’m 47 years young. I grew up in Peterborough and moved to London for university in 1997, where I studied for a degree in Dance and English Literature.
Yes, I know it’s a random combination – thank careers advisers in the 90s!
I moved to Surrey and met my husband in 2010 when we were both working at Virgin Active in Putney. We lived in Shackleford, then Guildford and Ranmore Common, before moving to East Horsley in 2020.
I like being a cool aunt to four nieces and a nephew – as long as I can give them back!
I’ve been a personal trainer and fitness instructor for over 25 years. I present at national fitness events, conferences and festivals, as well as contributing articles and blogs.
I love travelling, and we try to visit at least one new place every year. We regularly go to Cape Town – we got married on a wine estate there in 2017.
Did you go to school in these parts, and did you enjoy it?
I went to school in Peterborough. I loved junior school but hated secondary school. I was bullied and didn’t really fit in.
I wasn’t cool – I did ballet twice a week, music lessons and went to running club from the age of six. I also took part in amateur dramatics with my sisters and brother.
My brother went on to become a professional performer and is currently on the world tour of Moulin Rouge!
Are there any local shops or businesses you love?
We love the local florist Lovelace and Green when we need a gift for someone or just something pretty.
We’re also partial to local coffee shops Annare and Bolo and Brew. Both do fabulous coffee and homemade treats.
What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?
The Duke of Wellington is our local. It’s great for coffee in the morning – they give you Smarties with your coffee! – or a drink outside after a walk.
La Meridiana and Tara, the Thai restaurant where the owner wears local dress, are both good choices for a treat or weekend dinner.
Both are run by local families and have been here for years.
What do you most love about living in East Horsley?
I love the prettiness of the village. We’re lucky that in Horsley, you can get off the main road pretty quickly and into places such as Sheepleas Woods.
The Lovelace Bridges walk is long but great, and the people are lovely.
We also love being able to get into London reasonably quickly if we need to, as well as having easy access to the A3, M25 and Guildford town centre.
What highlights are you looking forward to later this year?
I’m due to present at Fitcamps on the Proms in Blackpool in November. The event won Fitness Industry Event at The Heart and Soul Awards, so it’s a really exciting opportunity.
Tell us a bit more about Amovida
After much TLC, we opened Amovida in 2024. We wanted the studio to appeal to people who felt they had been ‘left behind’ by mainstream fitness.
Our classes are small and intimate, and we also offer personal training.
We wanted Amovida to be accessible to everyone, including people living with health conditions. One of our trainers specialises in exercise for disability.
We love helping people and seeing the difference it makes to their lives.
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