In a few of my recent blogs, I have waxed lyrical about why people should try Pilates and all the benefits it can bring. To support my enthusiasm for this form of exercise, I launched several classes in village halls in the South Hams where I live. I have loved teaching these classes and meeting the people who attend. Now established, I wondered if people who have yet to try one of my Pilates classes would like to know what they are like. I enlisted the help of one of my participants to give an honest overview of one to help people understand what they should expect.
“I arrived on a sunny day to find the door to the village hall open and music floating out to welcome the participants. The real welcome came in the form of lovely, smiling Lara who dabbed a spot of lavender oil on my wrist to get me in the mood as I lay my mat down at the back of the class. Isn’t that where all first-timers head to?
“My other classmates were lovely and welcoming, and as is the way with where we live, I recognised a few faces. In terms of dress-code, there was a full range of leggings, looser trousers, t-shirts, vests…anything that was comfortable and allowed us to move.
The South Hams is blessed with several lovely village halls and this one was no different. It was cool and naturally lit, but not too much; there was little chance of anyone peeping through the windows, which is always a plus!
“After checking if there were any participant injuries Lara needed to be mindful of, the 55-minute class began with a welcome to her ‘lovelies’ (Lara’s generic terms for all her class-goers) and then some breathing to get us going. I have dipped in and out of both Pilates and yoga, so I am always up for some deep breathing and am very comfortable with closing my eyes in front of people I do not know.
“Anything to feel relaxed for a change! The breathing was a feature of the entire class to help us control and ease through our movements, and to push a little bit further if possible.
Lara took us through a series of movements designed to make us stronger and more flexible. You can constantly moving. There are no static poses to sweat through! All the usual favourites Pilates were there – the hundred, hip bridges, side clams, roll-ups and roll-downs – with her calm voice talking us through every stage.
“The class participants were generally of the same ability, but Lara had add-ons for anyone who wanted to challenge themselves, and no doubt she would have had modifications for anyone who needed to take it a little easier. Her demonstrations were easy to follow, but once you were up and running, she was on her feet going around everyone in the class to offer them further individual advice. She also danced her fingers down my spine to remind me just how many vertebrae I have during the roll-downs and helped me push deeper into stretches to get the maximum benefit.
“If you have not done a ‘Lara class’, you will not know what a great teacher she is. She is astonishingly easy to follow online and is just as good in person. She is also shining example of why movement is so great for us. I love a role model to aspire to, and her toned limbs and strong core are definitely to be admired. She is also lovely. This is important in a teacher in a class like this. I know she will hone a class to suit the participants and will always make people feel welcome. You will leave feeling better than you did when you went in…for sure.”
Aw, thank you. This is a genuine review and I hope it has given you a taster of what one of my classes feels like. I really believe Pilates will help us all get stronger and more flexible. If you want to give it a go, I have loads of classes across the South Hams (see the list below) or come and try my online class at 8am on Wednesday mornings.
- Monday – Chillington Village Hall – 11-12
- Tuesday – Start Bay Studios – 9.45-10.45 and West Charleton Village Hall – 2-3
- Wednesday – Online – 8-9 and Sherford Village Hall – 10-11
- Thursday – Thurlestone Village Hall – 2-3 and West Alvington Village Hall – 6-7
Contact me to find out more or book online.