“ Iain has realistic expectations from everyone in the class, and takes the time to explain each position and its associated benefits and always offers alternative options for people who may not be as experienced or quite as flexible. Iain is relaxed and non-judgemental, and is always welcoming and accepting of everyone, regardless of if they’re a regular class attendee or are trying something for the first time. Without fail, I come away from every class feeling stretched and ‘unknotted’ as well as rejuvenated and positive. I would be hard pushed to find another Yoga & Pilates instructor who offers so much attention and concern for their ‘students’ whilst still being able to instruct and perform at such a high level.
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Who Was Pilates - What is it All About?
Joseph Hurbertus Pilates was born in Dusseldorf in 1880. He was a sickly child and suffered from Asthma, Rickets and Rheumatic Fever. His parents were anxious to help him rebuild his strength so enrolled him at a School for Gymnastics and he went on from strength to strength to be a great Gymnast and joined the circus. He was also a keen boxer and taught boxing, indeed when World War 1 broke out out he was in London teaching boxing and self defence to Scotland Yard.
Being a German in the war he was interned in a camp and it was during this time of isolation that he developed an exercise programme for himself and the inmates that would help build strength and condition the core but could be practised in very tight surroundings!
This programme of ‘Contrology’ started to get noticed as regular practice of it appeared to save many of the inmates from succumbing to the 1918-19 Flu epidemic (which killed 40 million worldwide). It also improved recuperation and rehabilitation of the inmates. This system was termed a 'preventative exercise system'as it produced and maintained balance through carefully executed exercise moves , which became known as the Pilates Method.
Pilates did not use props apart from the Magic Circle (which it is rumoured was devised from the metal ring around a beer keg that he had delivered to his New York Studio regularly!) Although he did use a piece of machinery called the Reformer which added resistance to the moves. I teach both methods 'Pure' Pilates and Pilates with equipment, in a class environment I will use props to emulate the extra resistance the Reformer would have given to the execution of the moves. I also teach my 'Fit For Life' and Total Toning Programmes for the more mature exerciser using many of the principles of Pilates.
The Benefits:
Improved posture and alignment
Improved concentration and focus
'Superb service. I particularly like the yoga, pilates and fitness sessions led by Iain. The sessions are simple and easy to follow; you can work at your own pace or be pushed. There’s something for everyone, to leave you feeling energised, yet relaxed. I’ve been participating in Iain’s fitness sessions for a couple of weeks now and I can already feel the benefits in both my mind and body.' K.B - Long Stratton
Improved balanced
A strong core
Stronger pelvic floor
A total toning session for the body not over-using or under-using muscles
A strong routine but with little impact on the joints
An increased awareness of your body
Decreased repetitions, increasing the work of each motion helps to obtain results quickly with long lasting results
An exercise regime that can be adapted to accommodate exercise for people with many skeletal, muscular or medical issues.
The list of benefits that Pilates can bring are endless and if you haven't tried this amazing programme I really cannot recommend it enough. I have a couple of sayings that I use regularly with my participants… ‘If it’s easy it can’t possible be Pilates’ and ‘Pilates is easy ….. unless you do it properly!’
I see so many people improve through this programme from beginners to professional sports people alike. Once you understand and begin to master the principles I guarantee you will be hooked!
I teach Pilates in class settings, through my online fitness group and on a one to one basis from my 1-2-1 Gym and Personal Training Room in Saxlingham. Also, look out for specific courses or one off workshops.
“My back and core were so weak I couldn’t even manage to do 1 sit up but after a couple of months of Iain’s pilates and core conditioning I can now do many sit ups with ease. The results I’ve achieved with Iain have been amazing.
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6 Week Introduction to Pilates
Programme
A six week programme to introduce the benefits of the wonderful programme for core strength, balance and conditioning from the master of core strength, Joseph Pilates including :
Breathing
Key Moves and technique/form
Safe Practice
Benefits of the moves
Remember what Pilates said... 'After 10 sessions you will feel the difference, after 20 sessions you will see the difference and after 30 sessions you will have a completely new body!
£234
“I haven’t been to see my Chiropractor for over a year and it’s all down to Iain’s Pilates classes!
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“I can remember one cardio class in ...when ....probably April, I could hardly bend my knees at the end of the class. I used to have stiff knees every morning when I got up and it was painful to climb the stairs (and we have 3 stories) . But now hardly anything - just a little stiffness when it rains. You (Olcote Wellbeing) and Joseph (Pilates) have saved me!!”
