…A technique that utilizes the power of your body…
Pilates is a proven technique that brings about permanent changes. The main principle of the pilates technique is to recognize that there is one strong, core area that controls the rest of the body.
Through the synchronizing of thought and action these gentle, yet challenging exercises work in a controlled, progressive and intelligent way to improve posture-alignment, balance, mobility, strength, co-ordination and flexibility.
By strengthening muscles that are weak and lengthening muscles that are short any imbalance in the body is corrected.
One develops a level of body awareness which is unique to pilates
Neutral spine is a fundamental part of the technique as now taught. 80% of people will suffer from debilitating spine pain at some time in their lives. Most of these episodes will resolve spontaneously with or without medical intervention however, there is a high rate of recurrence. To hasten recovery and prevent recurrence, treatment must include an effective reduction in the forces which irritate injured spinal elements and hasten spinal degeneration. This can be achieved by the effective application of neutral spine stabilization concepts in functional activities.
With correct motivation and training, students become skilled at placing their lumbar spine in a single position when there are significant forces on the spine.
e.g. prolonged positioning (sitting, standing, lying)
major movements of the body (getting out of bed, getting down and up from the floor)
movements requiring force (lifting, reaching, pushing)
The amount of muscular effort needed to maintain neutral depends upon the amount of force acting on the spine. In order for neutral positioning in daily activities to be practical and efficient one must learn to use only the amount of muscular effort needed in a given situation.
Once a student begins to apply stabilization techniques effectively, functional improvements will often begin to be noticed within days to weeks e.g. the intensity of pain associated with a particular activity is lessened or it is possible to walk 20 minutes longer before the back starts to hurt.
These changes are sometimes dramatic and sometimes subtle but very motivating
The pilates exercises use smooth, consistent and co-ordinated movements to train the deep abdominal muscles, those closest to the spine.
This inner unit consists of:
transverse abdominus
Muscles of the pelvic floor
Lumbar multifidis
Internal and external obliques
Diaghragm
The exercises progressively challenge the student’s ability to maintain neutral spine position against forces that reproduce the flexion, extension, rotation and side bending forces that are encountered in daily activities e.g. driving, housework, gardening, tennis, golf.
With the ability to isolate and use only the desired muscles and using the breathing technique, taught with the exercises, muscular tension is reduced and muscular strength is gained, energizing the body and calming the mind.
Pilates forces one to focus inward for the duration of the session by concentrating on the detail, form and execution of each exercise.
Pilates can also be a mental and emotional respite for those suffering from depression, anxiety and everyday stress.
Pilates is a mind-body exercise form which puts you back in touch with your body by creating body awareness and a healthy self-image that is positive and empowering.
CLASSES
Classes are small, maximum 4 people, and are of one hour duration. This allows a one to one approach with careful observation and correction of exercise performance. It is possible to focus on individual needs and ensure that optimum benefit is obtained from the program.
Although the work is concentrated, it is not required to make many repetitions and one does not get hot. It is therefore advisable to wear layers of comfortable and preferably stretchy, clothing. Clean socks should also be worn.
One initial private session is recommended for assessment, followed by a course of ten classes.
ENQUIRIES OR TO BOOK
Places can only be booked on this course once you have had your initial private session. To arrange this, please call The Complementary Health Care Clinic direct on 01603 665173.
The 10 week courses of group classes will run during the evening. We are currently looking to fill classes on a Monday at 5pm and 6.15pm, Tuesday at 5.30pm and 6.30pm, and Wednesday at 7pm. Daytime classes are negotiable.
Places will only be reserved for classes with prior payment, and you should note that due to the small class size of only 4 people (maximum) that these will go fast - therefore we would advise you to book all 10 sessions in advance to avoid disappointment.
For enquiries regarding the classes please contact Wendy direct on:
Tel: 01508 579156
Mobile: 07867887178
Email: w_j_scottdk@yahoo.com
PRACTITIONERS
Wendy Scott
Wendy trained with the Royal Ballet from the age of eleven. Following an eleven year career dancing with the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, she retrained at the Pilates Institute in London. Here she learned the skills to teach the pilates technique, which she understood so well from the classical ballet training, using matwork, the ball and the pilates reformer.
During the last five years Wendy has lived and taught in Denmark, gaining valuable experience teaching remedial and rehabilitation work at a clinic with chiropractors in Copenhagen. Among her clientele were many professional people including a violinist, a film cameraman, doctors, architects and a tennis player, all of whom had work related injuries that improved significantly.
Wendy has worked with children with ‘ pigeon toes’ and knock knees with great success. Clients with asthma have found the breathing technique has been helpful, in some cases eliminating the need for medication. Many women have found the technique has significantly helped problems with incontinence and shoulder problems associated with computer work have also been alleviated.
Benefits have been many and often unexpected but always welcome!
COST
Private session £30
Class (max 4 people) £15
Course of 10 classes £125 (paid in advance)
Classes must be booked in advance and 24 hour notice of cancellation is required, otherwise the missed class will be charged in full.