Aims & Conditions
A therapeutic, person-centred approach to Pilates
Aims and Conditions, that I Worked With
Pilates can be a very supportive, adaptable practice. Over many years of teaching I have worked with people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities, using individually selected, precise movement to help them build strength, confidence and deal with imbalances. Each session is tailored to the individual in front of me, alongside some universal absolutely foundational exercises. Alan Herdman, whose practise I rely on on part always said, it is not the quantity or the acrobatics, but the cleanliness and precision of movement. That can be achieved only with a well trained pair of eyes. Contrary to perception in mass fitness classes, that have given Pilates a false name, I spent most of my time watching, analysing and instructing and not exercise with the client or patient.. Only that way can I instantly spot issues and request a correction, which may be small but significant.
Working Alongside Healthcare Professionals
When people address me with special conditions, I like to work in close partnership with clinicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors and other healthcare professionals. Wherever appropriate, I follow the guidance you have been given and use Pilates to complement your existing treatment or rehabilitation plan.
While I have extensive experience supporting people with a wide range of conditions, I am not medically trained and do not offer clinical diagnosis. If you have any concerns about new or changing symptoms, I will always encourage you to seek or follow advice with additional professionals. In one case, this led to a client learning that she had a congenital condition. It was me who first suspected that I observed something that did not correlate to how it should be. That client stayed with me for many years after that, and still talks about that moment. My role is to provide a safe, attentive movement environment that supports the work you are doing with your healthcare team.
Conditions and Areas I Have Worked With
The list below is not exhaustive, but it gives a sense of the range of people I have supported. Together, we focus on realistic, meaningful aims such as moving with more comfort, feeling better, stronger and steadier, or reconnecting with activities that matter to you. For cancer patients having chemotherapy for example, it was the fact, that somebody still came once a week and did a well measured set of exercises, in accordance to how I found her or him on the day.
Back & Spine
Lower back pain, upper back pain, back injuries, Spondylitis, scoliosis, kyphosis
Upper Body
Shoulder pain, shoulder impingement
Lower Body & Joints
Knee injuries, foot pain, osteoporosis
Neuro-logical & Complex Conditions
Multiple Sclerosis, facial paralysis, trauma
Hypermobility & Postural Issues
Hypermobility, work-and age related posture issues, kyphosis
Cancer & Serious Illness
Support for people with different cancers, end of life care, for those who wish to have measured exercise and relaxation
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
Stress, depression, mental health crisis, severe depression, people in addiction rehabilitation, relaxation (including for teenagers)
Women’s Health
Pregnancy, post-pregnancy, breathing techniques confidence building. caesarian, mental health, muscular strengthening, pelvic floor and bladder health, relaxation, toning and balance, time for mum.
Surgery & Rehabilitation
Pre-surgery preparation, post-surgery recovery, prolapses.
Athletes & Active People
Marathon runners (preparation and post-race recovery), martial arts practitioners (black belts in pain), stabilisation for athletes and dancers, hand strengthening, I prepared one client for the Police Fitness exam.
General Wellbeing
General strengthening and toning, obesity, incontinence
Men’s Health
Confidence building, posture, pelvic floor and bladder health, muscular resilience and balance, toning, relaxation, learning to undo patterns, breathing techniques, low weight challenges more than high weight.
Every Person Is Unique
If you recognise yourself any of the challenges above, or if your situation feels more complex or personal, you are very welcome to get in touch. We can talk through your history, current needs and hopes, and explore whether Pilates with me feels like a good fit.
My aim is always to meet you and your body where you are, to listen carefully, thik things through and to create a calm, respectful space in which movement feels safe, manageable and meaningful for you as an individual and often which is great fun and that most my clients looked forward to.
Jumping Tiger 