
Why Pilates With Us
I like to think we have created a safe space where you can be entirely you and where it’s possible to explore your ambitions for yourself through Pilates. Classes aim to offer you the chance to work at your own pace … for beginners it will be about building techniques and developing strength … for the more experienced there are opportunities to challenge your growing abilities and drive more extensive change. I am always trying to teach in a way that helps you feel those eureka, “I get it or I feel it” moments for yourself so that you are not just going through the motions and following instructions. I believe that most people are looking for personal instruction, support and feedback and so, in order that everyone can have my personal input, our class numbers will always be small, whether in our studio or online. Each week the classes vary in content and challenge. Our focus may be on free flow of movement, control and technique, or stretch and breathe and are shaped by the needs of the class at that time. There are always adaptations and progressions offered so you can work at whichever level feels good for you at that moment.
The benefits of Pilates are well documented and proven. It can significantly strengthen your core muscles, providing increased support to your spine, lower back, hips and shoulders. Improved flexibility and mobility is usually an inevitable outcome with regular Pilates sessions, helping to improve balance and the ability to bend and stretch in everyday life. You should also see improvements in your posture and with time and regular work, your body shape is likely to become more streamlined. You can also expect some benefits from learning to still your mind and quieten your body. It encourages a sense of calm and an ability to isolate your movements and your breathing and can build confidence and inner strength and purpose too. I like and hope to be realistic – fresh air, good food, exercise in a way that you enjoy whatever that may be, seems to me will always make you feel better, particularly once you get the buzz of feeling stronger … but sometimes chilling out, reading a book and having that glass of wine has a real contribution to make too! Over the last few years, our classes have become a friendly meeting of people that come together each week with their own reasons and ambitions to practice in peace with their own thoughts. It is a real pleasure to be part of such a mutually supportive group.
So be kind to yourself and come along to the class, breathe and discover a naturally mindful time without trying to “meditate” – leave feeling stronger, taller and smiling from within.