OUR TEAM

Meet the people behind True Form

We're a small team with a big passion for Pilates, connection and helping you become the strongest version of yourself - inside and out.

Alexandra Ally

Founder & Pilates Instructor

Former nail girlie, now Pilates girly.

After years behind the nail desk, Ally never imagined Pilates would become such an important part of her life. Never a gym lover or particularly competitive, she discovered something completely different in Pilates a way to challenge herself, build strength and focus on becoming the best version of herself, without competing with anyone else.

What started as something she simply enjoyed quickly became a genuine passion, and that passion inspired True Form.

Born in America and raised in the Algarve, where she has lived for over 20 years, Ally has grown up between two cultures and is fluent in both English and Portuguese. Married to a Portuguese man who has supported the journey from the beginning  including helping bring the studio itself to life True Form has truly become a family project.

For Ally, True Form is about more than exercise. It’s about creating a beautiful, welcoming space where people can slow down, move with intention, feel stronger and actually look forward to showing up for themselves.

True Form is a new chapter, built from something Ally genuinely loves, and she can’t wait to share it with the community.

Carla Santos

Trainer

Carla believes that intentional movement has the power to transform not only the body, but how we feel within it.

A qualified Physiotherapist since 2018 and Pilates instructor since 2019, Carla brings over six years of specialised Pilates experience, with a background spanning clinical care, rehabilitation and private studios in Brazil and Portugal.

Trained across Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel and Mat, her approach combines clinical knowledge with a deep understanding of how each body moves. Every session is thoughtfully adapted to individual needs, whether the goal is rehabilitation, improved strength and mobility, athletic performance or simply feeling more comfortable and confident in your body.

For Carla, Pilates is more than exercise it is a practice of connection, strength and lasting wellbeing.

Lisa

Founder & Partner

Behind every beautiful studio is someone keeping things moving behind the scenes.

Lisa is Alexandra’s mom, co-founder and the heart of much of True Form’s day-to-day operations.

With over 30 years of experience in sales and customer service, Lisa brings warmth, organisation and a natural ability to make people feel at home. Originally from America, Portugal has been home for over 20 years. Alongside True Form, she continues to manage her businesses in real estate and property management.

Her love of Pilates and healthy living grew from something deeply personal wanting to stay strong, capable and healthy enough to care for and support her husband through his chronic illness. It gave wellness a whole new meaning and made Alexandra’s vision for True Form feel like the perfect family journey.

You’ll find Lisa both behind the scenes and in the studio, helping, welcoming and making sure everything runs smoothly.

For us, True Form is about more than movement it’s about feeling stronger, healthier and more supported in everyday life.

Two generations, one vision.

WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU

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