Before I came to Pilates, I was teaching Group Fitness classes “from the front” meaning that I had to rely on speaking and demonstrating to get people to move. In Pilates, we have the benefit of being much more hands on. 

That means I’m able to help you to bring yourself into the right position to perform the exercise better. In a group Pilates session, of course, I can’t always get to everyone in every exercise, so I still rely on being able to describe what I want you to do simply and clearly. After you've been coming for a little while, you'll notice that you're starting to feel when you're in the right posture and positions just by listening to the cues and knowing what you should be feeling.

I still teach cardio-style Group Fitness classes and I benefit from the education that I get from those programs to support the continuing Pilates education that I follow (as well as my Group Fitness classes benefiting from my Pilates education). This means I get access to research papers, to share information with other movement professionals and to constantly learn more about movement. This allows me to help you to continue to be functionally fit for as long as possible.

One of the worst Pilates classes I ever went to, we did the same exercises. Every. Week. For Months (yes, I did stop going!). While I do come back to certain exercises fairly frequently because they’re so effective, I love to teach a really varied program, with new exercises and sometimes using different pieces of small equipment so that you’re constantly challenged (physically and mentally) and kept interested. For example, using the small balls and rollers can challenge your balance and co-ordination; using the bands can challenge your posture, strength and flexibility. 

Now, obviously, I can't take all the credit for how much better you'll feel for doing Pilates. The method itself, obviously, plays a large part. Did you know, for example, that when you focus on your breath in class, you're also decreasing your stress levels? This is because deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic system (the opposite of your fight/flight response) and naturally means that you are able to be calmer.

Additionally, as you become aware of the present moment, including your physical sensations, your frontal cortex (the part of your brain linked to decision making and working memory) is stimulated.

You’re encouraged in my classes to ask why we’re doing something; tell me you don’t like it (we’ll still do it btw!); and to question how to do it best. Basically, ask me anything!

So, in summary, what's in it for you to come to my Pilates classes? 

1. You'll stay functionally fit (i.e. fit for life) for longer

2. You'll learn what good posture feels like and will be able to bring that back to your daily, normal movement.

3. Your strength, balance and flexibility will be challenged meaning that you're better able to live your normal daily life.

4. You will be calmer and better able to focus, make decisions and remember (God knows, we all need that last bit!).

Want to come and try a class? Contact me today to find out how you can join