About Me
Hi, my name is Rachael
My aim is to help you move and feel better through Pilates. I teach Pilates classes and Private sessions in Aberdeenshire -
Insch, Inverurie & Oldmeldrum
I started Pilates in 2012 following a period of illness and it hugely helped me in my recovery, both mentally and physically.
I wouldn't be without it! My love and enjoyment of practicing Pilates and believing in the method is what made me decide to begin teaching and assisting others with Pilates.
My Training
Member of Body Control Pilates ® Association
Matwork Certification Course Level 3 with Body Control Pilates ® - June 2017
Level 3 Pilates for Bone Health - October 2017
(Level 3 Award in Understanding Pilates and its Impact on Bone Health which qualifies me to teach clients who have osteoporosis)
Active IQ Level 3 Award in Designing Exercise Programmes for Older Adults - March 2018
Level 3 Certificate in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Pilates Programmes - April 2019
I love to learn and continue my training regularly to bring you the most benefit!
Pilates "develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit"
Joseph Pilates "Return to Life through Contrology"
Classes and Prices
Pilates Classes:
Body Control Pilates ® Classes in and around Aberdeenshire - Insch, Inverurie & Oldmeldrum - daytime and evening Pilates classes at various levels.
After completing an Introductory 1-1 or 2-1 or Introductory group Session you can join a class of suitable level.
Classes are kept small (max 12 clients but usually 8-10) to ensure individual attention to bring you the most benefit.
Classes are booked in Blocks and are paid for in advance.
A mat and socks are required.
£51 for Block of 6 Classes (£8.50 a class)
Private 1-1 or 2-1 Introductory Session:
For new clients only who wish to join a class who have not done Pilates before.
The session takes place in the privacy and comfort of your own home and is essential before joining a class.
This session helps you to feel comfortable in a class, gives you a chance to see if you like my teaching, to discuss any relevant medical history, answer any questions and get you moving or introduce you to Pilates.
£15 1-1 Introductory Session for new clients only
£15 2-1 Introductory Session for two new clients only
Private Sessions:
Private 1-1 or 2-1 Pilates sessions in Huntly, Insch, Inverurie & Oldmeldrum which takes place in the privacy of your own home.
They are perfect as they can be targeted towards your specific goals/needs or where a class might not be suitable. There is more individual attention to help you achieve the most benefit.
£35 per Private 1-1 Session
£36 per 2-1 Private Session for two clients
About pilates
Pilates is a low impact approach to movement that works both the mind and body. It is a way to re-educate the body and restore balance through alignment, strength, flexibility and control of movements. Pilates regains healthy, normal movement patterns. It is a way to move and feel better.
Benefits include:
- improved strength and strengthen of deep core and postural muscles
- improved flexibility and mobility
- improved flexibility and strength of the spine
- promotes healthy joint function
- improved concentration
- improved sense of well being
- reduced stress and body tension
- improved posture and alignment
- improved body awareness
- improved stamina and energy
- can assist in injury prevention
- more efficient breathing
- enjoyment and a sense of 'uplift'!
Pilates can be beneficial for everybody regardless of age, size, shape, gender, fitness level or health.
In Pilates sessions we are training the body to move well, and with practice, this results in unconsciously moving better with improved posture - the same way as learning to drive a car becomes automatic. We focus on good alignment to encourage correct muscles to work efficiently and effectively, to reduce wear and tear on joints and restore balance to the body. The focus is on quality not quantity with slow, controlled and precise movements.
History of Pilates
Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1883-1967) developed the Pilates method, which was called Contrology until he died. As a child he suffered from illnesses and was drawn to the idea of helping himself through exercise. He trialled several health and fitness methods such as martial arts, yoga, dance, weight training and selected and developed these into his work. See more on Pilates History.
Body Control Pilates®
Body Control Pilates® was founded in 1995 and is one of the world leaders in Pilates training. It is based around eight principles and aims to make Pilates available to the average person regardless of age or fitness.
Body Control Pilates® are one of the leaders for high quality, safe and effective teaching.
Exercises are taught step by step and progressively in order to develop the skills needed to work safely and effectively towards Joseph Pilates's original work.
Find out more here.
FAQs
What should I wear to class?
Clothing needs to be close fitting but comfortable to allow freedom of movement i.e. leggings and a close fitting top. This is so I can check your alignment to ensure safety and effectiveness of the exercises. Shoes are not needed but socks are required, ideally non slip, no bare feet.
Do I need to bring a mat?
Yes, your own mat is required. Please choose a thickness that you are comfortable with as we will be moving through different positions such as lying and kneeling. Amazon sell numerous mats.
What can I expect at a class?
A relaxed and friendly environment where we move with purpose and control. We will work through exercises to challenge the whole body through a variety of starting positions and linking movement to breath. The quality of movement will be challenged but not compromised and will work to improve alignment, quality of movement and breathing.
It is a client based approach and hands on to help you achieve correct alignment so you can benefit the most. Class size is a maximum of 12 to ensure safety and effectiveness of exercises. Classes include modifications and adaptations for each client, if needed, so you can work at your own level and achieve the most benefit. It is surprising how different you may feel after a session!
Can I just turn up?
No. You are required to have at least one private 1-1 introductory session or a group introductory session before beginning a block of classes. Pilates is not suited to "drop-in" style which is why classes are booked in blocks.
Why do I need private introductory 1-1 sessions before beginning?
This is a must if you have never done Pilates before. Clients are assessed before starting classes to screen for injuries/health issues and for me to observe your current movements. This is so exercises can be adapted to suit your body as you can gain the most benefits and so that you are placed into a class of suitable level to challenge you, if a class is suitable for you. It is also to help you learn some of the key elements of Pilates so you don't feel "lost" when in the class. Pilates can be like learning a new language for the body so do not worry if you feel like you 'don't get it' in the first sessions. Give yourself time for your body and mind to adapt and learn to this way of moving. The benefits are definitely worth it!
Why do I need to book a Block of classes?
In order for you to get the most benefit! Pilates is most effective with regular practice and a block of classes will allow you to advance through the weeks as you consolidate your skills. All classes are booked for by payment in advance. This is to ensure your place and so I can account for any physical issues when planning effective and safe programs.
Is Pilates suitable for everyone?
Yes it can be! Size, shape, gender, fitness ability are irrelevant. Injuries or health problems are screened for at the private introductory 1-1 sessions so that the exercises can be made beneficial to you. Sometimes if injuries are present, occasional 1-1 sessions will be required for you so the classes can be kept safe and effective for you continue with classes.
How often should I practice? When will I feel benefits?
Regular practice is important and can help reduced aches and pains that result form poor posture. Regular practice will help bring about changes and benefits - you can think about it like maintenance for your body. I recommend practicing Pilates 2-3 times a week. I find even 10 minuets can make all the difference. "Remember, too, that "Rome was not built in a day," and that PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment" Joseph Pilates, Return to Life Through Contrology.
Who did you train with?
I trained with Body Control Pilates® and am a member of the Body Control Pilates® Association.
Where do you teach?
I teach Pilates in Aberdeenshire - Huntly, Insch and Inverurie. Contact me to find out more.
Question not been answered?
Contact Me and I will be happy to help!