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Pilates is a complete exercise method which focuses on building the body’s core strength and improving posture through a series of exercises that stretch and condition the muscles. Core strength is derived through low repetition work on the back, abdominal and pelvic muscles to increase flexibility and agility and tone the body as a whole.
But Hollies stresses that it is also much more than this: “People think that Pilates is all about core work and abdominals but it’s much more than that. Even fit, physically active people really benefit from Pilates because it is about working from your own centre and being comfortable in that. I see people all the time working out hard on one area of their body, but working in their body as a whole is the goal we want to achieve, and that’s what my classes are about.”
Hollie started her training as a dancer, but became really interested in developing her own fitness as well as strengthening her mind/body connection. Working as a fitness trainer made her realise that movement is for everyone and yet few people really know how to move or move enough. She went on to qualify as a personal trainer and sports massage therapist before discovering Pilates and achieving an established PILATESfoundation qualification.
From her background in dance, she has over 20 years of movement experience, and uses this knowledge to guide each student as an individual in her class and ensure she delivers excellent attention to detail throughout.
“These days our minds and bodies are so disconnected and I think that this connection is vital to help us to improve bodily awareness and in turn prevent injuries and take care of ourselves. Without that connection we really can’t get the best out of our bodies or listen to what our body needs, so it is important to me to work this theme into all my classes. I want my students to work hard but also feel peaceful and ‘inside’ themselves. My classes flow from that and I try to incorporate fitness, therapy and movement, so that participants will leave feeling relaxed and yet invigorated at the same time!”
Hollie will be teaching Pilates classes at the Centre on Fridays at 10.45am and 12.30pm.
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