Why choose Pilates?

Pilates is perfect to help with a range of needs:

• Safe exercise. Pilates may have been recommended to you by a physiotherapist or you may be recuperating after an injury or operation. I have worked with many client’s looking for appropriate exercise and recovery after hip replacements, knee replacements/surgery, spinal surgery, abdominal surgery and cancer treatments (mastectomies).

• Back pain. Although there could be many different causes of back pain (not all of which are exclusive) with strengthening of the abdominal muscles and stretching of the back/hips/leg muscles, people often find an easing of the pain. Long term, we look at protecting the back from recurrences and work towards injury prevention.

• Strength. It’s not just a strong core you get from Pilates. The whole body gets stronger, both in classical strength but also with endurance. Depending on the exercises, we can target specific adaptations for a particular sport or simply work body-wide to find your strongest self.

• Flexibility. Both flexibility and mobility are improved with the mat-work, Reformer and chair. There’s a reason why dancers took so readily to Pilates (it’s not just because it helped with injury prevention) because it allows for active stretches with the benefit of perfect technique. The simple truth about stretching is that the more we stretch, the more flexible we become.

• Post natal. Creating the miracle of life within the womb can take its toll. After giving birth, abdominals need to be strengthened and posture brought back to equilibrium. There is always a chance during pregnancy for diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and certain Pilates exercises are a perfect way to strengthen the abdominals in a controlled manner, often allowing the abdominal muscles to return to normal.

• Improving posture. When starting at The Orchard, you can get an in-depth review of your posture. We look at our current posture and work out long lasting ways to improve it. We take into consideration our body type and in addition we also look into any life style factors which could have an impact on our body’s posture.

• Reduction of stress. By taking control of our muscles, we can train our physical selves to relax, and allow our minds to release stress.

Who have I had experience teaching?

I have taught a range of abilities, from professional level athletes to hobbyists and enthusiasts:

• Professional dancers

• Professional gymnasts

• Professional athletes

• Cyclists

• Horse riders

• Golfers

• Skiers