Coordinating mind and body
Pilates Therapy & Pilates classes
Strength, balance and flexibility
Designed in Germany in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, Pilates is an exercise system that coordinates mind, body and breath to develop sleek and functionally strong muscles, a strong and supple back and aligned shoulder girdle. In my classes I work on improving movement patterns so that your body moves with more ease, as well as helping build strength and flexibility.
Pilates is suitable for all ages and abilities. The exercises are safe to perform when taught under proper guidance, and ideally are taught in small classes. At Core Pilates matwork classes are kept to a maximum of 12 people, while on the equipment I teach no more than 3 people at a time. The machines (Reformer, Cadillac and Combo Chair) were specifically designed by Joseph Pilates and use springs to provide resistance and stretch, and to help isolate the correct muscle groups. There is a huge variety of exercises that can be taught on the machines and on the mat, and in a studio session these will be tailored to your individual needs. For example, exercises can be chosen for their ability to correct postural problems or help injuries, or purely to work your muscles harder!
My background
I trained as a Pilates instructor in 2003-2004, with Body Control-trained teachers Helge Fisher and Stephanie Beeson, undertaking both written and practical exams, case studies, study of anatomy and learning about special conditions and populations, such as working with those with back issues, scoliosis, osteoporosis or those in pregnancy.
My training has continued over the years, where I have taken workshops and courses with many other teachers including Polestar Pilates, Basi Pilates, Kelly Kane, and Eric Franklin. In 2017 I completed Gary Carter’s Myofascial Anatomy Training and in 2021, after 18 months’ study, became a Certified Pilates Therapist under the tuition of Bonnie Southgate. See more on this below.
Pilates Therapy
In 2021 I completed my training as a Pilates Therapist. Certified by the University of Birmingham as part of their Sports Therapy degree, this is one of very few certified Pilates courses, as Pilates itself isn’t a regulated profession.
During my training I learnt how to use objective screens, to assess my clients and choose the best exercises for their particular issue or movement pattern; a deeper level of anatomy and how to work with certain conditions and injuries; neurodynamics; joint surface anatomy, plus how to use hands on techniques including Muscle Energy Technique (METs) and K-taping to help my clients feel more ease in their movements. I always do a full body / movement assessment with each client, whatever their level or requirements, before moving them into a class or one-to-ones.
Please contact me to discuss any questions you have about how Pilates Therapy may help you.
