Pilates

The Pilates method of exercise has its origins in the work of the late Joseph Pilates, who was born in the 1880 in Germany. He was a frail child and turned to fitness programmes to improve his body image. In the war, he developed a fitness programme for his fellow internees in order to maintain their health and fitness levels whilst being held in confinement. Later on he emigrated to New York and set up his first fitness studio. He studio soon began to attract leading ballet dancers (because his exercises perfected and complemented their traditional exercise programme), actors and sportspeople who were all attracted to a workout that built strength without adding bulk, balancing that strength with flexibility, and achieving the perfect harmony between mind and body.

Nowdays, Pilates is very closely based upon the method of body-conditioning and training developed by the late Joseph Pilates. It is an exercise method that relies on strengthening core postural muscles and developing body alignment. It avoids the muscle and ligament damage, sometimes associated with other fitness regimes. It is a remarkably effective, and medically approved fitness method. Pilates can work for everyone, regardless of fitness level. Most of the routine is mat-work exercises which have a great attraction in that no special equipment is needed. It is also particularly safe for those with back problems and its consistent success rate in solving such problems has brought it recommendation from the medical profession as well as osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists. Suitable for all ages, it is ideal for those with particular problem areas or equally those wishing to improve their total fitness, posture and appearance.

Sarah Leach
Sarah Leach has been teaching Pilates for four years. Previously a primary school teacher, Sarah then qualified with the Pilates Institute and has been teaching regularly fitting this in with looking after her two pre-school children. She currently teaches Pilates matwork classes in Tonbridge on Tuesday evenings and a 'Pilates on the ball' class. She also provides one-to-one instruction and small group courses.

Sarah found Pilates invaluable throughout both of her pregnancies and post-natally too (especially following an emergency caesarean section). Using her own experiences and with the qualification to teach pre and post-natal participants within her classes, she offers a range of Pilates to suit everyone. Call Sarah on 07811 988793.

Sharon Snowdon
Sharon Snowdon trained at the Pilates Institute in London and has been teaching for a year running daytime and evening classes in central Sevenoaks. Sharon deliberately keeps her classes small with a maximum of 10 people in each class. This ensures a good level of instruction for all attendees and she is able to adapt the level of each exercise to suit the individual need. The small classes are also less daunting to newcomers and a friendly welcome is guaranteed.

Pilates is a unique exercise programme that works on the body as a whole. The exercises gently strengthen and tone muscles, helping to build a strong healthy back, strong abdominal muscles and excellent posture. It is suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness and may be particularly helpful if you are recovering from a back injury. Sharon's classes are open to women of all fitness levels and for those suffering from back and other injuries. Call Sharon on 01732 450392.