Pilates For Health
| Published: 5th June 2008 20:35 |
Pilates
When Karen Grinter of Pilatesfaceandbody.com invited me along to "check out" one of her classes at the County Cricket Ground I wasnt quite sure what to expect. I had been along to a few pilates classes before and remember being asked to get into some pretty awkward positions from the first lesson.
Karen's class is very, very different. She has a relationship with her class and seems to know them and understand both what they are trying to achieve with the classes and what if any problems they have ,and so can almost tailor the exercises to suit. There was much banter and such a lovely relaxed atmosphere at the class, that I wished I had come prepared to take part. However relaxed the atmosphere is, there is nothing "easy" about the class. The session started with relaxation and stretching exercises, with Karen making sure that everyone is positioning themselves correctly. The exercises tackle the whole body, arms, back, buttocks, stomach and legs and the movements were so precise, it was clear this bunch knew what they were doing!
Pilates is not about leaping about, it is all about strengthening and precise movements that work deep into the muscles., technique is everything and Karen moves through the class adjusting and giving support when necessary. The class ended with a full relaxation phase complete with pillows, darkened room and blankets . I can't think of a nicer way to exercise.
So who is Pilates for? - well everyone really, people with back problems, people who sit at a desk all day , fit and healthy people who want to prevent injury. It can increase fitness, improve posture, coordination and is suitable for all ages from 12 - 80. It is worth pointing out that it is NOT a quick fix, and for the average healthy person, starting a Pilates exercise programme can seem very gentle at the beginning - you are learning the principles of Pilates, gaining an understanding of how your body functions, and how to ensure that ANY fitness work, or even just being at work, can be improved using Pilates techniques. It can truly change the way you stand, carry yourself and help take your body, which is after all our most precious asset safely into our latter years.
Karen Grinter trained in london with Lynne Robinson and Gordon Thomson of Body Control Pilates® , she started teaching in Northamptonshire in 1997.
In 1998 Karen was asked by Kirk Russell the Northants County physio, now Physiotherapist to the England Cricket Team, to work with the county players. The result is the Pilates Studio based at the County Ground on Abington Avenue.
Karen is now part of the teacher training program for Body Control Pilates®, the UK's most well known training provider for Pilates teachers, and also runs workshops for Health Professionals and teachers to further knowledge in Pilates techniques.
For more information on Karen's classes visit www.pilatesfaceandbody.com
