A Letter from Lauren on how Coastal Pilates & Fitness evolved into what it is today, and why she decided to dedicate her practise to both Pilates and personal training.
So, 17 years ago I fell into Pilates by accident. I was a recently qualified personal trainer and was given the opportunity by my employer at the time to train in Pilates.
Participating in 30 Pilates tailored sessions was part of the course pre-requisite. After the first few sessions, I couldn’t believe how calm and relaxed I felt. I felt like I was floating out of the studio and I’d never need another massage again! It was a fantastic stress release for me. The strength I felt in my body was very deep. I felt taller and my posture improved. I was converted!
One of my Pilates mentors back then told me I should choose between being a Pilates instructor or a personal trainer. I was confused at the time and couldn’t understand why? Why did I have to choose? I decided not to take her advice and 17 years later I am so glad I have remained qualified in both Pilates and personal training. These qualifications helped me shape the face of the business and how it operates to date. I believe both Pilates and personal training complement each other very much and I have seen many clients achieve amazing results when they were able to combine the two exercise disciplines.
As a personal trainer I understood how important it was to train the body aerobically and anaerobically. Also, how important strength training was not only to get stronger but for toning muscles, power, speed and endurance. We all need to work on balance, stability and our flexibility, hence the term ‘cross-training’ arose when combining these different forms of training.
At Coastal Pilates & Fitness studio we offer personal training for individuals and also small Group PT classes, as well as Beyond 50 classes. Through my experience over the years I have found small, personal group training provides an affordable option to individual ‘personal training’. Small group personal training classes also offer a space for like-minded people to connect and support each other.
Pilates
In a nutshell it is a balanced, whole body workout. The goal is to bring your body back into perfect alignment which means perfect posture by lengthening your tight muscles and strengthening your weak muscles. Practising regular Pilates works towards keeping your joints in good alignment, and therefore not wearing them out and causing joint pain and degeneration. Targeted Pilates muscles are mainly the deeper ‘core’ muscles of the body (not just your abs!) We have deep core muscles around every joint in our body which includes your spine, hips, knees and feet, just to name a few. Pilates still works on the other common or global muscles of the body too like your quads, glutes, hamstrings, pecs and triceps.
Just about anyone, no matter their size, experience, fitness level, or injury kind can find a way to safely and effectively practise the powerful full body exercise of Pilates. There are of course different forms of Pilates, the key is to find a studio that has a minimum of Diploma level qualified Pilates instructors, that way you can participate in tailored Pilates sessions particularly if you are dealing with pain, injury or specific health conditions. Graded Pilates mat classes are also there for individuals with no body issues or injuries (other than general aches and pains we all experience from time to time.) Participating in these graded Pilates mat classes will help to bring your body back to perfect alignment or posture, strengthening the deep core muscles of your body, making you look and feel taller and leaner.
When prospective clients ask me what they should do, I say both Pilates and personal training in most cases. Pilates is definitely the best place to start if you haven’t been doing any regular exercise. Starting with Pilates will create a solid foundation of strength and flexibility to prepare your body for other non-Pilates type activities and minimise injury. Eventually there should be no reason why you can’t start incorporating more personal training type activities into your physical activity practise, for example boxing, skipping, weight training, kettle bells, battle ropes, or running into your exercise regime.
If you are interested in finding out what we can offer you at Coastal Pilates & Fitness studio, fill out our client registration form so that we have all the necessary information to make the right recommendation to you. Most new clients who decide to proceed will commence on one of our new starter packs to ensure we have enough time to work with you to get you results.
We look forward to welcoming you into our space at Coastal Pilates & Fitness and can’t wait to guide you through your journey to better health and wellbeing through the powerful practise of Pilates and personal training!
Lauren Harper,
Studio Director