PILATES
Joseph Pilates, was born in Germany in 9 December 1883. He created a unique form of exercise. Originally called Contrology. His father was a gymnast and metal worker and he trained his son in a few disciplines including bodybuilding, ju jitsu and gymnastics. By the time he was 14 he was very strong and proficient gymnast.
It is now under debate whether Joseph was a sickly child, but there is no doubt that he had a very creative mind. As such he created a appartus to use for rehabilitations, using a stable hospital bed frame and springs for resistance and strengthening the body. He developed exercises which helped gain tone, connection with core stability and body control.
I had the pleasure to originally train with Alan Herdman, Gordon Thompson and more during the 80s. I found that as a trainee dancer, that it would be inevitable that I would at some point sustain some sort of injury. In preempting this possibility, I sort out how to maintain my fitness and strength without gaining heavy muscle tone. Pilates was the exercise I stumbled on, as well as swimming.
Here I am over 30 years later, finding that I am calling on my pilates training to gain that same stability. I have a slight herniated disc and facet joint instability, which sometimes can cause serious problems, a combination of regular Pilates exercises, yoga and swimming. I am able to maintain flexibility, strength and stability. Pilates is what I find myself more and more turning to alongside, swimming, yoga and some weight training.
I have revised my previous training and have now trained with Stott Pilates mat work and reformer to Intermediate level & Advance levels.
Arlene will be teaching at the following centres (book directly with these venues)
Contour Pilates, Loughton IG10
Tuesdays 9.00 & 10.00, 11.00(Private sessions)
Wednesdays 9.00 & 10.00
Home practice in Walthamstow
Friday Essential Pilates mat works for beginners and improvers
Winchester Road Methodist Church, Winchester Road, Highams Park E4
Friday mornings 1-2.00pm
contact Arlene for details of the next drop in or 4 weekly block bookings available
spaces limited to 4 people. Book online.