07951971015
ABOUT ME & MY PILATES
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My teaching practice has evolved through my studies and qualifications with various Teaching bodies (BCP, Future Fit, Group X Training, F.I.T.T) as well as being taught by some inspiring teachers enabling my practice to become what it is today. I am still learning and continue to be inspired by teachers, my amazing Mentor, Katharine Jemmett and clients alike.
I CARE very much about what I do, about my clients, about MOVEMENT and HEALTH. I am PASSIONATE about Pilates and WELLBEING. I LOVE an organic FLOW and how the movement and BREATH are linked – bringing MIND & BODY together in HARMONY.
My own story like so many of you reading this will connect with, has not always been plain sailing – such is life.
I have struggled with low self-esteem most of my life, this presented itself through eating disorders, anxiety, IBS and self-doubt. It is only in my late 30s and early 40s now that I have come to accept myself and see my true worth, embrace my strengths and work on my weaknesses – both mentally and physically.
My health has also challenged me, in 2006, after a complicated miscarriage I was diagnosed with cancer in the form of Gestational Trophoblast Disease (aka Molar Pregnancy). You can see some of my story on the ‘Patient Stories’ section of the website:
This was one of the most difficult times in mine and my family’s life. After some serious and scary moments, emergency operations, blood transfusions, being taken away from my family in West Sussex and admitted to Charing Cross Hospital in London, then returning to Worthing for 6months of Chemo, I was given the All Clear in 2007.
I still bear the scars – emotional and physical, but I SURVIVED and recognise how all our experiences (both positive and negative, joyful and scary) shape us.
It was not long after this that I ‘found’ Pilates. A dear friend of mine invited me to try a class with her …One hour later, a super class with a great teacher and I was hooked!
I found as many classes as I could and tried them out. The different teachers offering their own unique styles (one of the many things I love about Pilates – the personal interpretation of the Flow and passing that on to clients).
In 2015 I qualified with Future Fit as a Level 3 Pilates Teacher. The passion for Pilates turned into my career. Pilates helps me every day as I hope it helps my clients too – a very positive part of life. Joyful and life affirming.
I have gone on to take many more courses and examinations and I continue to further deepen my knowledge and understanding of the human body and the way it moves.
I LOVE MY JOB!
Most recently, in 2019, I qualified with Body Control Pilates after taking their Conversion Course and my studies continued with them until 2022.
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I LOVE WHAT I DO
My Qualifications
My love for health and fitness started when I was young. Today, I’ve been fortunate to turn my passion into a thriving profession. I have practised Pilates since 2006 & made it my career in 2015.
My qualifications are as follows:
Specialist Diploma in Advanced Pilates VTCV (Anatomy and Physiology Level 3; basic mat Pilates; Intermediate Mat Pilates; Progressing Mat Pilates)
Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Conditions
Small Mat Equipment
Pre and Post Natal Exercises
14-16 Year Olds Children’s Fitness REPs CPD Upskilling Paper
Vertical Fusion Pilates
Barre Fitness (Barre Basic; Barre Body; Barre Burn; Barre Bend)
Hypermobility – Keeping it in the Box Workshop
Fitt Pilates Reformer 1
Hip and Knee Replacement Post Op
Body Contol Pilates (BCP) Level 3 Matwork Pilates Conversion Course 2019
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Pilates with BCP
Reformer 1 bridging course at BCP
Basic First Aid - Prime Resuscitation and First Aid Training.
As a fundamental part of my Code of Practice I like to ensure all clients are assessed* before starting a group class with me.
This is done via the enrolment form and ideally a 1:1 session at a convenient time for you in the studio, your home or a space you are comfortable with.
You can then decide along with me, whether you would like to continue 1:1 or join a group class. 1:1s offer a personalised programme to suit your individual needs - a wonderful way to work. I have 1:1 clients across the world and with Zoom - you really can have Pilates with me anywhere!
*The assessment is not a test in any way! It is so I can see your body and tailor exercises to suit you. The 1:1 also gives you time to ask me questions, tell me your goals and go through some fundaments of Pilates so you feel confident entering the group. It is £55 for the 1:1 and I understand that is not for every pocket - so we can have a chat over Zoom if you prefer and take it from there.
The cost of a 1:1- is £60 (6 weeks course £325) ; a 2:1 is £88 (6 weeks course £475). The group classes are a course of 6 weeks for £70 with occasional ad hoc bookings at £12 a class depending on availability. Some will be also be accessible via Zoom. Now we are safely allowed back in our beloved studios - I am delighted to be teaching face-to-face and on Zoom for those who cannot make it to class. Bringing you your Pilates in the best way I can, wherever you might be.
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With warmest wishes and I look forward to working with you
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Helen x
HELENPILATES
Your body awareness is heightened by bringing together mind and body - Body Control Pilates teaches you to be in control of your body, allowing you to handle stress more effectively and achieve relaxation more easily.
A fully qualified, classically & Body Control Pilates trained teacher, CIMSPA (previously REPs) Certified and fully Insured instructor, let me share my passion for this incredible, life enhancing discipline, and help you to recognise & use the full potential of and lengthen and strengthen your body in good controlled movement patterns. Pilates can improve posture, strength, flexibility, breathing, control and concentration. The matwork exercises have a great attraction in that they need no special equipment and are particularly safe for those with back problems (and don't forget that 95% of the UK population has, or has had, backache). Its consistent success rate in solving such problems has brought it to the attention of osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and homeopathic doctors.
I work with a wide variety of clients in different age groups and lifestyles; Pilates really is for everyone.
I work 1:1 matwork and *Reformer and in small group classes.
I look forward to welcoming you to class - open to all abilities. If we have not worked together before, I offer a free 20 minute Zoom chat so we can 'meet' and you can ask me any questions you may have. I would ideally like to work with you in a 1:1 session so I can assess your health and fitness, your postural type and discuss your fitness goals so you will get the most our of your practice. You may decide to book a course of 1:1s or group classes depending on your wants and needs.
1:1s allow us to work closely to reach your goals, whether you are just staring your Pilates journey or you would like to deepen you knowledge and further advance your practice.
*Reformer 1:1s are studio based at Worthing Osteopathic Wellbeing Clinic BN14 7NB
Group classes at Saltwater Studios I keep classes small so I can focus on your needs and they are always friendly and welcoming.