A little delve into the history and content of these disciplines, together with some of the problems they can help with, and are used for.
Pilates
This is a physical fitness regime similar to yoga, developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany specifically for Ballet Dancers. Thus, it is often utilised and then taught by dancers. Hannah teaches Modified Pilates; a form of core stability training which focuses on the restoration of strength and endurance to the trunk muscles.
Many patients present to Pilates classes with lower back pain (LBP) – and a staggering 80% of the population report having this at some stage in their life. This is a daunting figure, but you have to remember that you are not alone – and we hope that Pilates (and indeed Hannah) can offer those of you who fall into this bracket a solution that really works.
Pilates is utilised for more than treating LBP though – it is a gentle, yet challenging way to improve whole-body posture, flexibility, strength, co-ordination and balance. It is particularly beneficial in helping:
· Prevent neck and shoulder injury
· Improve muscle tone
· Improve continence
· Assist the return to pre-natal physical state
· Relaxation – and in turn, many conditions associated with a difficulty in relaxing such as emotional stress relief, lowered blood pressure, reduction in tension headaches, improved immune system and mood states.
· Challenge the elite athlete – special programmes can be designed.
Hannah Marshall
Hannah’s origins in Pilates come from her days as a dancer where she trained in Contemporary Dance at the University of Roehampton, London. She holds a BSc (Hons) in the Science of Sport and Exercise and an MSc in Physiotherapy. She is trained in Modified Pilates through the APPI. Hannah brings over 10 years experience in movement analysis to her classes which creates a supportive, fun and safe environment through which you can train in the Pilates method.
Testimonial
“Five weeks ago I hadn't got a clue what pilates was all about, but after a short conversation with Hannah I decided to try one session; now I am an addict. Hannah, as a qualified physiotherapist is an excellent teacher, who keeps her classes small and friendly, giving her time to give every one individual attention as and when they need it. As a total beginner I was worried that the other members of the class would regard me as an elderly idiot who should not be there. Quite the reverse all the girls are very nice, every one is concentrating so hard on what they are doing that there is no opportunity to watch anybody else. Hannah has helped me to improve my posture, energy levels and relieve muscle pain and tension in my back. So, I have progressed from feeling totally shell-shocked at the end of my first session to looking forward to and thoroughly enjoying Thursday evenings.” MD
Classes: currently Monday 5pm & 6.10pm, Thursday 6pm & 7.10pm.
All classes run for an hour and are £7.00 drop in or £25.00 for 4 sessions paid in advance. To find out if Pilates is the right exercise therapy for you, come and have a trial session for only £7. Give Hannah a call on 07530 918659 for information on current class schedule and space availability, or to find out if it will suit your health issues.
Tai Chi
A centuries old Chinese system of exercises used for health and relaxation; Tai Chi is essentially a martial art although regular practice brings both mind and body into harmony and leads to countless benefits. These include stress relief, improved posture and coordination, strengthened immune levels and white blood cell activity. Breathing becomes more controlled and relaxed as the person becomes more aware of it, and there is a generalised balancing of emotions and ability to deal with life situations.
Weekly classes start with warming up exercises which are designed to relax and invigorate whilst loosening the musculature and opening the joints. The Five Relaxing Exercises are then performed, and these are intended to investigate and develop relaxation and grounding. The Cheng Man Ching Short Form (a significantly abbreviated Yang Style Short Form) is a strategically planned progression of movements and postures.
Beginners’ classes: this is a ten week course, and is intended to introduce the learner to the basics of Tai Chi. It is suitable both for novices, and those who have tried this discipline previously. Martyn will focus on relaxation, posture, and the basic mechanics of the movements; the students will learn the Five Relaxing Exercises and the first five movements of the Short Form.
Practice notes are supplied throughout, and on completion of the course, students are issued with a practice DVD, a diploma and access to follow-on classes if required. Classes will commence Tuesday 13th January 5-6.30pm continuing weekly and finishing on Tuesday 17th March 2009. Advance booking and payment is essential as this course will be in high demand. £75 covers all lessons, practice notes, diploma certificate and DVD. Payment taken by cash, cheque and credit card. Places reserved with payment in full; 25% non returnable deposit, maximum 10 places.
Martyn Guest:
Martyn has been teaching Tai Chi (Taiji) since 1996. He is a Certified Instructor for Taijiquan School of Central Equilibrium and holds a City & Guilds 7307 teaching qualification in Adult and Further Education. Martyn attends annual training seminars led by Wee Kee Jin, Principal Instructor of TSCE and also weekly classes along with a team of instructors.
Testimonial: “Martyn is the best teacher of Tai Chi that I have met in years. He is dedicated not only to his work, but also to teaching his students to the highest level, and at the pace that is right for them”. GW
“I have been a student of Martyn’s for over two years, together with other members of the group. He is a dedicated, single minded tutor of Tai Chi; meticulous, with excruciating attention to detail. He is also a very hard task master, tempered with a great sense of humour and kindness making his classes enjoyable and commanding much loyalty from his students. On occasions, we students suffer great sense of frustration, but, Martyn's humour and patience helps our confidence enormously.
In short, a splendid teacher – and I speak without exception, for the group.” NS
Classes: currently Wednesday 11am-12.30pm. Martyn charges £6 per class.
We are taking names for the beginner training on a Tuesday at 5-6.30pm. If you are interested in joining this course when it starts, please call the Clinic Reception on 01603 665173 to add your name to the list. Please also call to advise your attendance on the Wednesday class.
All classes running at The Complementary Health Care Clinic, 34 Exchange Street, Norwich, NR2 1AX Tel: 01603 665173 Email: georgina@holistic-care.com Web: www.holistic-care.com
We also offer ISHTA STYLE YOGA – A combination of Ashtanga, Iyenga and Vinyasa. Classes Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm, and Tuesday 5-6pm with Jessica McKenna. See www.blissyoganorwich.co.uk for more information or call Jess on 07501 303546.
If you want to offer a special gift to a friend for a birthday or other special event, or even if you want to get organised and start purchasing your xmas gifts for 09 well in advance, The Complementary Health Care Clinic offer Vouchers in denominations of £5, £10, £15 & £20.