Having done Pilates for just over a year prior to being pregnant with my third child I had found that it had really help me to re-discover my core strength, helped me tone, energise and also really reduced back strain which I’d suffered as an early years teacher working with very young children.
Moreover, discovering strength as I went along the block of classes meant that I felt more attuned to my body in a positive way - more than I had done pre-children, enabling me to focus on the positive things it could do, rather than what it wasn't. I did Pilates all through my pregnancy with Ellie carefully monitoring and working with me to ensure I felt happy and safe in what I was doing. I wanted to continue the strength and development, as well as breathing techniques and flexibility that I’d found, so that this may also help me in my pregnancy. I’d suffered with a bad lower back and sciatica as well as carpal tunnel syndrome during my previous pregnancies, but found that the combination of the developed core strength, pelvic floor strengthening and engagement, alongside ongoing balance in the routines, strengthening moves and effective breathing meant that I did not suffer this with this pregnancy. I continued up until 35 weeks, when the sheer size of my bump and the level of exhaustion just meant that it was easier not to be in the block but rather continue with gentle roll downs and pelvic floor exercises I’d learnt as well as centering the mind whilst breathing in order to still feel the level of body awareness that I’d previously felt and maintain a positive approach to my body before the prospect of birth! The deep breathing techniques learnt in class really helped me hugely during birthing - I’m no hero as have had drugs/assistance etc before during births (and think however it comes out - as long as all is ok is by the by!), but was lucky enough to have a fairly easy 3 hour natural water delivery with number 3. This was significantly helped by my Pilates breathing as a technique to keep me busy, relax me and my body into accepting this natural process and embrace it rather than fight it - as well as, I am sure, allowing me to go with the contractions - mentally and physically and thus have a good birthing experience. The breathing also aided being able to push through the contractions and for me to enjoy the least amount of intervention I’ve ever had with a baby. I also found that even after birth, my body managed to recover significantly quicker - with all functions resuming normally very fast and my awareness of my body’s strength and flexibility still being there - whilst also knowing my limits. The pelvic floor engagement constantly practised in class, as well as flexibility in the hips and pelvis, core strength, wrist strength and continued Pilates practise right throughout the significant changes in my body - meant that I really felt I could positively deal with birth (in as much as you can with these things) and I knew what my body could do to a certain extent - although I had no idea with birth until it happened & recovery and delivery were significantly improved after my 8lb 15 bundle of joy arrived! I know Pilates helped with this definitely. 3 months plus down the line and I’m back at pilates for a mini escape for me and re-discovering the core strength I had, whilst also doing the pure stretch class, to allow for flexibility. I’m almost at 2 legs at tabletop again (ARRGH!), but am so utterly grateful for what Pilates (and Ellie leading) it has done for me in terms of me viewing the strength in my body (and having a positive body image), giving me real, applicable techniques to use for birth, relaxation and I’ve even encouraged my kids to stretch when they feel stiff from school. Being able to slow movements right down and understand what it is I am engaging etc and why has been fantastic and I cant wait to see where Pilates will take me as I utterly love it. Thanks Ellie and I’d utterly recommend pilates to absolutely everyone!
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...and as another block draws to a close, I wanted to say thank you all for a brilliant half term! It's been an incredibly busy time. We have welcomed many new faces in the last few weeks - always exciting to get a new Pilates recruit to share my passion with! Well done to each and every one of you who come to classes regularly, working on your practice, and, at this time of year especially, come to classes in rain, wind and sand storm hurricanes!!! Most of you will have heard me this week raving about the course I have been on. It is fabulous to go and be inspired by others and fully immerse yourself in learning new things. I loved the course and am even more inspired to change the world...one spine at a time! So watch out for specialist classes to follow! I am also looking for some case studies, so keep your eyes peeled for an email about this! I will finish with a lovely quote from the man himself. It resonates so much for me as you know how important the breath is and listening to your body!
"You move to the music of your own body and the rhythm of your own breathing" Joseph Pilates Have a fabulous break and see you back in classes very soon! Ellie x "I have really enjoyed taking up Pilates with Ellie.
When I started the Pilates classes, Ellie was so helpful and encouraging (and has been ever since) and I could feel myself getting stronger and stronger every week even with one session a week! I tried a taster Barre and Stretch class which I also enjoyed very much and when Ellie started the Barre evening classes it was too tempting to pass up on. I feel the Barre classes go up one in the strength department and have really made that extra difference. I would encourage anyone thinking of trying it to go for it as Ellie is an amazing teacher!" Helen, July 2017 ![]() What a fantastic term it's been, mastering the double leg kick in Pilates and some fantastic work with the weights - "one ball, two balls or no balls" has become the catchphrase! One which some of you will be glad not to hear for a few weeks!! I love Pilates as you know, and hearing people say how much their back pain has improved will always make all the hard work worthwhile to me. Pilates really is so powerful when done correctly! This terms Barre class has been a Huge success. The progressions made in a very short space of time have been amazing and the feedback excellent. I have had people tell me they have lost weight, slipped into shorts which were previously tight, feel their legs are toned and their shape has changed...incredible in 5 weeks!! Great to hear! I have really enjoyed teaching this class and will be looking forward to getting back to it in September for the new block. As you know team, I will be taking a break now for a few weeks to allow everyone to take holidays - and for me personally to spend some time with the children and refresh. And of course I need some energy to start plotting the new routines!! Enjoy your summer whatever you are doing and hopefully I will see lots of you at the summer classes! And there is talk of a drink or two after evening classes...I am sure I can be persuaded! Take care and keep breathing! Ellie xx It really is great to see more of you men taking up the Pilates Class...but there are still many more of you out there that could be benefiting! I can't emphasise enough that it really is not just for us women! If any of you men (or you know of any men) that would like to take up our offer of a free taster session please do get in touch or send me an email for more information. I found a great article in Men's Fitness giving reasons why men should do Pilates too and the benefits of it! (check out number 5 gentlemen!!)
1. Develop often neglected muscle groups. Some of your muscles, like those that dominate your daily movements, are stronger than others, and a big part of Pilates is focusing on those muscles that don't typically get a lot of attention. Pilates is similar to MAT training in that you consciously move in certain ways to build muscles that you don't hit while lifting. 2. Improve flexibility. In general, the more muscle mass you have, the less flexible you are. But Pilates' focus on stretching helps prevent injuries and muscle strains, and increases range of motion. 3. Build core strength. Every Pilates exercise focuses on using your core to power movement in your limbs. Pilates also hits your transverse abdominals, the base ab muscle under your six-pack. 4. Live more consciously. Pilates forces you to pay attention—you've got to focus on your breath while working through each movement and concentrating on proper form. After a Pilates session, you'll feel refreshed and relaxed, which can even carry over into the next day if you're lucky. 5. Have better sex. Pilates strengthens the core and the pelvic floor, and men who practice it have greater control of this region of the body--need we say more? You can read the full article here! ![]() The things I hear all to often when people talk to me about starting Pilates is "I don't think I will be flexible enough!", "I'm scared I am going to look silly!". This is the main reason I strive to make my classes welcoming and enjoyable - for all ages and abilities, both men and women! It is important that you feel comfortable enough that you want to keep coming back. And when you do, you really will start to see the benefits quite quickly... "When I thought about joining Ellie's classes 15 months ago my life was in turmoil. I was anxious, overweight & afraid of making a fool of myself. Ellie & my fellow classmates welcomed me into the group & I felt instantly at ease. Ellie made me believe I could achieve anything if I put my mind to it. I went from not being able to get up off the floor unaided to doing planks & side lifts!
Pilates & Ellie has changed my life - gone is the shy girl at the back to the strong woman ready to go at the front & take on the world. I walk out of class feeling 10 feet tall & amazing. Thank you so much. Sarah x" ![]() It feels like spring is finally here, (ignoring the hail and snow storm earlier this week of course!). Smelling the freshly cut grass wafting in the windows of the Magelake Tuesday evening, it felt summery at last... I am loving teaching Pure Stretch this term. Its such a great class to really get you moving, stretch the muscles and warm the joints. There is something about a good stretch which makes you feel revived and uplifted. I am already seeing improvements in such a short space of time. It really does do what it says on the tin...increases flexibility, range of movement and stretches and lengthens the muscles. Great feedback too from those who do other sports and are guilty of not stretching properly! If this is you, get in touch and see how Pure Stretch can help you. Enjoy (another) Bank Holiday weekend all! Ellie x Well, how exciting...welcome to my new website!
If you are new to Pilates, why don't you message me and come and try a class very soon - see what it's all about! So to add to the current timetable, I have two NEW classes to share with you all.
If you are a beginner, it's a great time to join, and feel the magic of Pilates for yourself. Hope to see you soon, Ellie x |
AuthorI'm Ellie - I started my Pilates journey when I had a bad back. I fell completely in love with it! Archives
April 2019
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