ABOUT ME
Hello, I'm Louise. I am a married mum to two boys. When I am not practicing Pilates you will find me on a football, rugby or cricket pitch or out walking our family dog.
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I first started practicing Pilates 10 years ago having suffered with a bad back for over a decade. A MRI scan showed I had degenerative disc disease in my lower lumbar disc L5-S1 and my Doctor and Osteopath both advised I should start Pilates to help strengthen my core and improve my posture. I signed up to a local class and I have never looked back.
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Through Pilates, I quickly noticed how my posture improved, my core strengthened and I was more flexible, all resulting in a happier back. The more Pilates I did, the less pain I was in and I felt good. I enjoyed the group classes and I always looked forward to seeing the other members.
Following in my Father's footsteps, I worked for British Airways as long haul cabin crew for 23 years, but my love of Pilates grew so I decided to train as a Pilates instructor with Drummond Education. I wanted to better understand the technique so I could carry on helping myself and to help others by providing Pilates classes to the community. I miss travelling the world, but I love to meet new people which I have been able to do through Pilates.
My qualifications include:
Active IQ level 3 mat Pilates
Active IQ level 3 prenatal and postnatal Pilates
Level 2 anatomy and physiology
Level 3 anatomy and physiology
I am first aid trained and am fully insured with public liability insurance.
Discover Pilates
Born in Germany in 1883, Joseph Pilates was a very sickly child suffering from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. His parents were warned he would likely have a very short life expectancy. He proved the doctors wrong and was very determined to rebuild his strength. He experimented with many different exercise routines and taking different elements from each of them, he developed his own system which enabled him to rebuild his bodies strength.
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Invented in 1926 and originally called "Contrology", it was only after his death in 1967 when it became known as "Pilates". Pilates is not just an exercise or a movement, it is a connection between the mind and body that encourages good movement throughout the body.
Shorty before he died, Joseph predicted that one day everyone around the world would have heard of his exercise method, a dream that sadly he didn’t live long enough to see. Today Pilates is hugely popular all around the world.
CLASSES
I offer mat-based, mixed ability group classes for men and women of all ages in a safe and friendly environment.
I'll work with you to make sure that you enjoy the benefits of Pilates. Regardless of your individual goals, everyone can enjoy toned muscles, improved core strength, improved flexibility, improved posture, relieved stress and tension and improved balance. In my classes, you are always able to work at your own level and ability yet still benefit greatly. I offer different levels to each exercise so there is something for everyone.
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Feel a bit nervous to try something new? That’s normal, but please be assured you will receive a warm and friendly welcome.
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If you're completely new to Pilates, I recommend a 1:1 session to help you understand the principles and breathing technique before you start a class. This one hour session is £35.
I also offer 1:1 classes for £35 for one hour.
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Join me at:
Ballinger War Memorial Hall ( Hp16 9LQ) on Monday mornings at 9:15 AM - 10:15AM
The Lee Parish Hall, Lee Common (HP16 9NB) on Tuesday mornings at 9:00AM - 10:00AM
The Lee Parish Hall, Lee Common ( Hp16 9NB) on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Lee Parish Hall , Lee Common ( HP16 9NB) on Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM or
Ballinger War Memorial Hall (HP16 9LQ) on Friday mornings at 9:15 AM -10:15 AM.
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Prices
Block of 6 for £55*
*Blocks of classes are valid for 6 weeks
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24 hours noice is appreciated if you cannot attend a class
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"Pilates is for anyone and everybody"
Joseph Pilates
FAQs
What should I wear to class?
Please wear something that you feel comfortable moving around in. It does help if your clothing is reasonably close fitting so that I can see how your body is moving. Gym leggings/trousers and a T-shirt are fine. Pilates is best done in bare feet but you can buy Pilates/yoga socks which have a grip on the bottom. No shoes are worn during the class.
What should I expect?
Classes are kept small (8-10 max) and exercises are built in layers so there are different levels for everyone to work at. Pilates focuses a lot on technique and will always challenge you! It can take a while to understand the techniques, especially in the beginning but please don’t worry you won’t be alone. I really want you to enjoy the sessions and that’s why everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace and level.
What should I bring?
Please bring your own mat and a filled water bottle. You may wish to bring a block, rolled up towel or a small cushion for additional support in certain exercises. I advise that mats are of a good thickness between 8-15mm and full body length. Yoga mats are generally quite thin so please check. I will always bring a spare mat to class in case someone forgets theirs.
How will Pilates benefit me?
There are many benefits of doing Pilates on a regular basis. It improves flexibility, strengthens core muscles, improves balance and coordination, reduces stress, improves posture, reduces aches and pains and helps avoid the risk of injury. It creates body awareness and this will make you more aware of how you sit and how you stand. Pilates is a mind and body connection and many people find it to be a relaxing and mindful form of exercise.
Will Pilates make me more flexible?
Yes! Pilates emphasises lengthening and strengthening the muscles and so over time this will improve your flexibility. Along with stretching and a few exercises at home a couple of times a week you will notice a difference.
Is Pilates suitable for men as well as women?
Absolutely, yes!! Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates who trained many gymnasts, dancers and military personnel, many whom were men.
Today, Pilates is used by many top athletes, both men and woman as part of their training programs.
What happens in a class?
Every class begins with a warm up known as the prep phase. We then move onto the main phase of the class which includes different mat-based exercises standing and on the mat, working in different positions to improve mobility and strength. We finish with a cool down and stretching known as the closing phase in Pilates. Classes last 60 minutes.
Why is it better to book a block?
Pilates is best practised regularly over time, it is not a quick fix. The technique may take time to understand, so I encourage you to come to at least six sessions. Hopefully after that you will love it as much as I do and you won’t want to stop.
What if I am unable to attend a class in my block due to being away or being ill?
If you know you are going to be away on holiday then please let me know in advance and I will happily book you into another class to catch up the one you will miss. This also enables me to offer your place to another client as a catch up class for them if they’ve missed a class.
I understand that sometimes you might be unwell and unable to attend your class. Please can I ask that you give me as much notice as you can so I can offer your place to anyone looking to catch up a class.
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If you don’t turn up to a class then unfortunately you will not be reimbursed or offered a catch up class.
Why do I need to fill in a PAR-QÂ form?
Every new client needs to fill in a PAR-Q (physical activity readiness questionnaire) This is to ensure that Pilates is safe for you to do and also informs me of any medical conditions I need to be aware of.