Well, it brings out the best version of you. That simple. You may arrive at one of my classes in need of just a little polish – having spent many years ignoring yourself – or you may arrive in need of a re-build following injury or illness.
I can hardly believe that it is now eighteen years since I discovered Pilates and, for all that time, it has been my passion to create classes that will inspire you and return results. I will only incorporate movements that are transformative. If a movement has proven to be unpopular – and I can’t include the Plank here – then I will adapt it to ensure it is achievable and still works.
It is important to understand that there is no such thing as beginner. Just possibility. We would be foolish to think we knew our strengths and weaknesses before we had even had a go. In my experience the least confident can excel. Being overly ambitious is never attractive. You must leave your competitive side at the door. As I do. Just arrive with an open-mind.
What I am unable to do is speed up the passage of time so all I ask of you, in return, is patience. It may surprise you to know that Joseph Pilates believed his method would take eleven months for the body and mind to understand. During those months there will be lots of laughter and frustration. In the end you will have a body that works with you and not against you. You will feel strong.
I do not need to make endless promises. I just need you to attend class – give it time – and you will never look back.
You can join any class at any time. This means you arrive at class because you want to.
During class you work on your own. Or, in other words, you do not follow, in time, the person beside you. Not least, because that person will be very different to you. Even writing as a triplet with two sisters I can promise you we are not the same. We may look the same but we do not share the same physiology – lifestyles determine that.
As each movement starts you can choose to continue or to ‘add on’ to create as much intensity as you wish. Of course, you can stop too. What you will always be is encouraged.
Before class I will never have a format in mind. I never follow a script. Instead I will teach those I see in front of me. I have found myself unable to move an arm or a leg for a number of weeks and know how irritated I would be if I was stopped from practising Pilates. We simply adapt.
Each class forms it’s own personality. I actively encourage you to try different classes. I offer twelve classes every week meaning you can include Pilates in your daily life. Not one of my classes will be dull. I welcome misbehaviour! I am still in charge.
‘Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong, you are young’.
Joseph Pilates