Meet Claire - Power of Pilates owner and instructor

My introduction to Pilates

I was first introduced to Pilates as a part of my rehabilitation following major back surgery; after suffering years of a restricted lifestyle, back pain, sciatica and painkillers, my disc collapsed back on my spinal cord causing temporary paralysis. A spinal fusion was performed and I found myself in a body brace and on crutches with months of hydrotherapy and rehabilitation ahead of me.

"Eat live and breathe Pilates"

My physiotherapist encouraged me to live, eat and breathe Pilates and to use the principles whilst doing mundane tasks in my everyday life. This helped to retrain my body to move correctly and protect my back - even now, I automatically engage core when going over speed bumps!

I am now fitter and more active than I have ever been; I am a self confessed health and fitness addict and can generally be found doing some form of exercise every day. The benefits i have gained from Pilates has allowed me to achieve many things that I was told (due to my long term back issues) would not be physically possible. Pilates is now a way of life for me, continuously strengthening my core stability and helping to prevent further back problems.

I am Pilates level 3 qualified mat and reformer instructor, with 20 plus years teaching experience. I still regularly attend Pilates workshops as I believe to you can never stop learning! I am a member of REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals) and I am fully insured to teach in a group environment and on a one-to-one basis.

The birth of Power Of Pilates

When I created Power of Pilates I wanted to ensure that the class size was restricted to allow everyone to have individual attention – each body is different and the session is tailored to take each person into consideration. Pilates is a personal to you and your body, and I want my clients to be an individual, not just a number. I am passionate about the sense of well-being that Pilates brings you and I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm with you!

Qualifications:

• Level 3 Pilates
• Pilates Studio Equipment
• Register of Exercise Professionals
• Full insurance
• First aid certification

Certificates in:

• Pilates for the Menopause (July 23)
• Intrinsic Biomechanics (Apr 12)
• Evolutionary Fitness Pilates (Jan 09)
• Pilates with small props (March 09)
• Spinal Pathologies and Peripheral Joint Injuries (Nov 09)
• Pilates and Pregnancy (Apr 08)
• Pilates Arms and Legs (Dec 07)
• Pilates X-band (Dec 07)
• Pilates Body Rolling (Dec 07)

Accredited Pilates Training with Michael Fritzke & Ton Voogt

• Triad Ball (Oct 09)
• Pilates with small weights (Oct 09)
• Joseph Pilates by the book (Oct 09)
• Mat Variations (Oct 09)