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                    [post_content] => I grew up in a busy house as the youngest of three. My sister and brother both trained in competitive swimming, and went on to compete at state championships. In their final year of high school, each was elected as the school swimming captain, and I have fond memories of them bringing home the giant school trophy after winning inter-school competitions.

I was wired a little differently to my sister and brother, and never looked forward to swimming training. I loved playing sport and tried almost every sport at school, but my skill base was more in the motivational side than the sportsman side. I have always loved being part of a team and cheering on my teammates. I loved being the house sport captain, organizing everyone into their events and making sure there was always loud cheering for our house. We even won the spirit cup! My love of cheering people on is very evident in my style as a Pilates instructor.

I started dancing when I was 6, and it will always be a big part of who I am. Up until my final years of school I would dance 5 or 6 days each week, and feel lots of gratitude for my mother who schlepped me around from school orchestra rehearsals to dancing each night and picked me up again 3 hours later. She even fed me dinner in the car on the way, and I’d usually have second dinner once I got home (thanks mum!). I developed a special love for ballet, due in part to being taught by John Byrne, former Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London. He always had me in fits of giggles in class, but also developed my desire to challenge myself to achieve very precise movement and clean technique without losing my artistic expression and freedom. I think what drew me to ballet was the mindfulness aspect – there was no way for my mind to wander through my giant to-do-list from school and music and sport and family and everything else when I had to concentrate all my attention on every single element of my body and my posture (and also try very hard to make it look easy)! This way the perfect challenge for a high achieving adolescent.

These same attributes led me to the Pilates world. The exception was that with ballet I was very aware that I didn’t have the natural affinity to be a dancer. I didn’t have the right level of turnout and my feet weren’t arched enough and I was too heavy. With Pilates, every session gives me an opportunity to find my perfect challenge. I have to focus mind and body for the full session and apply focus and concentration and am constantly challenged to do my best work, but I also get to leave feeling hugely accomplished. I am fascinated by the history of Pilates and am constantly in awe of Joe’s genius feat of engineering to design the equipment and create his system of “Contrology” as he called it at the time. The Pilates world is rich and dynamic and satisfies my need for constant learning and challenge

I studied a commerce degree with a double major in economics and accounting, and a diploma of music on double bass. My favourite thing about uni was joining the comedy club – never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned becoming a comedian, but the friends I made there found my potential and developed the skills that I now use on stage. With my commerce degree in hand I started work as a graduate in audit. I stayed there for three years, in what was an immense challenge for my mental health. I regularly suffer from depression, anxiety and insomnia, and I would not have made it out the other side were it not for a regular practice of Pilates. Pilates anchors me in the present moment and in my body – the key vehicle with which I go through life.

I love my career as a Pilates instructor, and my favourite thing about it is my clients. They give me constant inspiration and I am always learning from them. These interactions get me out of bed every morning. I feel very lucky to have joined Kerrie’s team and the wonderful community at Infinity.

Nicola.

My favourite Pilates exercises

The spine corrector is one equipment is love to use before and after teach to balance out my spinal curves and mobilise my upper back. The overhead is one of my favourite exercises to integrate spinal control and mobility, whilst ensuring lower abdominals and in gear. I use the short pole to give me feedback for shoulder connection.



 

Side overs  – what a beautiful exercise for lateral torso strength and stability! I love this exercise as it is a great way to challenge oblique strength and prepare the body for the more advanced version on the high barrel.



 

 
                    [post_title] => A word from our new team member Nicola Kuiper
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                    [post_content] => 
Men, Pilates and the Art of Transformational Change 
by Paul Schembri.
When I first begin work with a new, male client, the most common motivation to get them into the studio is that “pain is stopping me from living my best life”. When pain is tapping you on the shoulder that’s your body’s healthy way of making you take notice and incorporate a change to your movement patterns before the tap becomes a shove!

Pain is often an indication that there is an overuse in one part of the body. It is through the Pilates work we begin observe how the body is moving in space and where the imbalances are occurring that can cause strain and compression in our 3-dimensional bodies. Therefore as an instructor in the method, there can be many factors to consider when creating a Pilates exercise program for a client!

To make change we need to bring our awareness to where we are in space and how the body feels.

Breath is very powerful and begins that attention to one’s body. It creates a physical and mental sense of ‘Centre’ – a point of reference – and often, just knowing whether you’re breathing in or out is a major mind-and-body-shift!

If our bodies are slumped and compressed, we are already interfering with this very action. Freedom of breath within the body assists with the re-organisation of how we hold our body up in space. Finding better alignment ready for action in all directions.

We want the body to be pliable. We need to adapt and change to life’s ever-changing circumstances to find an efficient response to action.
“Change happens through movement and movement heals.” Joseph Pilates.
 

One of my male participants (Peter, aged 83) used to comment on his 'Cement Back', especially after periods of lengthened inactivity. By the time we’ve completed his warm up sequences in the studio, the feeling of rigidity begins to shift into a more flexible spine.

He laughs with me in the studio about how hard I work him, but often it’s not the work and movement that is hard. It’s reorgansing his thinking around the task; connecting it with breath and integrating the particular focus with the rest of his body. He challenges me to help him find ways of working smarter and with more imagination, before working harder.

 

[caption id="attachment_4461" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Paul guiding Peter on Wunda Straps[/caption]

To incorporate the use of breath, imagination and innovation through motion, we begin reshape our mind and bodies. This offers us a pathway away from pain. Without this change in behavior we won’t transform. We can’t transfer what we explore in the studio out into our daily lives. It is an ‘Art’.

Take it from a couple of our clients:

 "Pilates is calming as well as strengthening, a resource for mental as well as physical health”. Ben 52 

 “I can focus on specific strengthening needs to enhance my swimming and running...and sitting at a desk”. Robbie 52 

It is also why Peter can find muscles and movements he never knew existed in order to age gracefully and find new pathways for longevity.

 

This is the Art of Transformational change.
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                    [post_content] => This year, I decided to join the worldwide phenomenon of #marchmatness, originally started in 2013 by Pilates Instructor, Benjamin Degenhardt.

March MATness is a celebration of Joseph Pilates' original 34 Mat work exercises as presented in his book 'Return To Life Through Contrology' - "Contrology" being the label he applied to his own method. Pilates Instructors, clients and enthusiasts from all around the world come together and present an exercise a day and share their explorations and innovations under the hashtag #marchmatness on various social media platforms.

It has been wonderful to return to Joseph's original source material and instructions! As an instructor, we can get so caught up in the choreography of an exercise or the modified variations for current day clientele as we progress them through the work - both on the mat or in studio - that to return to the 'basics' was refreshing and inspiring!

I set myself the task of undertaking the exercises as precisely as Joseph wrote and demonstrated and coordinated each video with an appropriate and inspiring quote from his introductory chapters of his book. Then, when a beautiful sunny day presented itself, I unrolled my mat, set up my video camera and methodically filmed myself.

Whilst much of the material was very familiar, my favourite exercise was The Spine Stretch...



Not only is this spinal articulation - and stretch - delicious to do, I really began to appreciate just how much this simple and effective movement underpins many of the traditional exercises.

My least favourite exercise: The Hip Twist. With my long arm and leg levers this exercise was particularly challenging - and one I confess I have hardly practised over the years! The 3 minute video of me trying to psyche myself up for this exercise, working out precisely where my arms and legs needed to be in space and on the mat - and the few awful repetitions that occurred - was particularly telling...and quickly deleted!



But I DID persevere with each and every exercise - wobbles, challenges, triumphs and all - and shared these on Infinity's Instagram and Facebook pages. Click the hyperlinks to check them out and watch the images above come to life!

Paul Schembri
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Join Kerrie and team for 45 mins open Pilates mat class followed by a 15 mins insight session over a glass of bubbles on Mondays in summer.





Following the footsteps of Joseph Pilates with open air Pilates classes, Infinity Pilates Studio embraces the environment around the studio and invites you to join in an outdoor experience on the rooftop.
Feel the breeze on your skin while you work your body. Then, reward your good work with a glass of bubbles, a view of the city lights and some quality Pilates talk amongst friends.
What to bring? Hand towel and water bottle.
6.30PM Monday
BOOK NOW >

		
                    [post_title] => Summer Rooftop Pilates + Bubbles Series
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Give the gift of Pilates to those close to you opening the world of Pilates to your friends and family.

“We retire too early and we die too young. Our prime of life should be in the 70’s and old age should not come until we are almost 100.”

Joseph Pilates

Redeemable for all classes and equipment
Available in studio or by completing the below form.

		
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                    [post_title] => Our Infinity Pilates Gift Vouchers
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                    [post_date] => 2020-03-24 16:20:54
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                    [post_content] => Dear clients and friends of Infinity Pilates,

These are unprecedented times that we all currently face. Despite our best efforts, and the amazing support and enthusiasm of you all to keep Infinity open, it is with heavy heart that we announce the temporary closure of the studio, effective immediately.

As you are all undoubtedly aware, the Federal government has put in place additional measures to assist in stopping the spread of this insidious disease. These measures included, amongst other things, the closing of all gyms and indoor sports activity venues. Although there was some ambiguity as to whether Pilates studios fit into that definition, Infinity made the decision to close down the studio. As the number of cases in Australia increased, like many of you, we felt it was our responsibility to do our bit to help flatten the curve.

We have since had some clarity from our industry body Pilates Alliance Australasia, who have spoken with the office of the Federal Sports Minister. They have clarified that Pilates is considered an indoor sports activity and is part of the mandated closure requirements. This reaffirms Infinity’s earlier decision to temporarily close our doors.

Your existing Pilates packages.
We are suspending the expiry of all current Pilates packages and will be available for you to use once we are able to start operating again.

What now?
We are currently exploring options for online Pilates classes. We are not quite sure what this will look like yet but are exploring the possibility of scheduling Privates, Duets and Matwork classes through the magic of the internet. To help us with planning, if you are interested in joining some of these classes, please email Kerrie at info@infinitypilates.com. Please allow us some time to figure out how we can best deliver these sessions to keep you moving. We will send out information once we have set this up.

Keep in touch
We will be keeping in touch with all of our valued clients and friends throughout this difficult time. Keep an eye out for our emails and follow us on our social media channels, the links at the bottom of this email. In the interim, if you need to reach out with any of your health and wellbeing needs, we are here to help.

Stay well, stay safe and thank you.
On a personal note, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your ongoing support and commitment. Your heartfelt messages during this difficult time have been appreciated and give myself and the Infinity team, the strength and courage to see this crisis through. We only exist because of our wonderful Infinity Pilates family that you are all a part of.

We are not able to re-open our doors until the government eases the restrictions and gives everybody the all clear to get back to some level of normality. However, rest assured, Infinity will get through this and be waiting on the other side to continue to keep you moving. Stay well, keep moving and look after your health and your loved ones.

Warm wishes
Kerrie and the Infinity Pilates team.
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                    [post_content] => Pilates helps build self-esteem in the teen years 

Young people aged 12 to 17 years go through major transitions— from primary school to secondary school, and from childhood to adulthood. They experience significant physical, mental, social and intellectual changes, in addition to becoming increasingly independent.[1]

Often adolescents play sport, particularly when it is compulsory in primary school or the early years of high school. They may have enjoyed sport, however when sport becomes optional they drop out, for a wide range of reasons, including that sport became too competitive, or that the increased pressure on their time from school work. In addition to this, socialising and other commitments meant that sport was de-prioritised. In fact participation in sport halves during adolescence, dropping suddenly at age 15.[2]

Alarmingly nine out of ten (92%) Australian 12–17 year-olds do not meet the Australian Physical Activity guidelines of 60 minutes of physical activity every day. As children age, they tend to engage in less physical activity and more sedentary screen-based activity.[3]

Why is this a problem? Fewer than one in three Australians today aren’t getting enough physical activity to benefit their health generally and long-term habits are often formed in childhood and adolescence. By focusing on young people we can capitalise on the opportunities for intervention before unhealthy behaviours are established.



What we know about the teen years is that for multiple and complex reasons self-esteem can be incredibly low.

While low self-esteem can manifest in a number of ways, poor body image tends to be especially prevalent in young women. 1 in 5 students globally say they have missed school because they feel they don’t look good enough and 31% of teenagers are withdrawing from classroom debate because they don’t want to draw attention to the way they look. [4]

While mental health and self-esteem are complex and multifaceted there is growing evidence to support a number of protective factors. These being methods both internal and external that can be used to reduce the likelihood that a person will experience low self esteem. Physical movement has been identified as being one of these protective factors.

What role can Pilates play?

Forcing teens to participate in sport although good for their physical health is not the answer. So what is? It is important to acknowledge that members of this age group do not all perceive or experience sport in the same way. A product that works for one set of 12–17 year olds because of their barriers and motivations may not work for another. Reframing physical activity and experimenting with different types of movement may for some be useful.

Teens are underrepresented in the Pilates space, which is unfortunate because the benefits are huge. Pilates offers physical movement that can address a number of the factors outlined above. Including the ability to participate without the pressure of competition. The exercises of the Pilates method are taught specific to each individual’s goals and level of fitness.  Physical and mental challenges are developed accordingly.

This helps to create a sense of achievement in a non-competitive environment and helps to establish self-confidence.

Spacial awareness

Further, Integral to Pilates is the potential to integrate proprioceptive information. Proprioception is voluntary movement based on one’s own sense of their relative position in space and effort being employed to complete the movement.  Pilates enhances proprioception in a number of ways, for example body awareness through movement and imagery i.e where the body is moving in space and its relationship to the mat.

Self-Discovery 

In addition the method aims to highlight how that movement feels. Interoception is the lesser known sense that helps you understand and feel what is going on inside the body i.e. sensations of warmth, sensations of the heart beating and breath, lightness or release of muscles or joints melting into the mat. These are all sensations that increase a sense of not only where the body is in space but how you feel about that sensation… Self-discovery.  You yourself can only feel what you are experiencing. It is this process that may generate a more coherent experience of the body, as well as of the self. [5]

Social connectedness

In addition to movement there are a myriad of studies linking social connectedness to adolescent wellbeing. Although Pilates is not a team sport, through mat work in particular there is a shared experience, which allows for connectedness and social interaction outside of the pressures of school, social media and the competitive nature of sport. Through sharing a common experience and growing together through shared challenges the opportunity to establish common ground and a strong bond can be created.

Functional movement

Finally The Butterfly Foundation encourages the shift from focusing on how the body looks to what the body can do its functionality. This is inherent to the practice of the Pilates. The ability to connect to the body through breath and to feel the body changing and becoming stronger in a relatively short amount of time is inspiring and can create a new relationship with the body.  Allowing young people to experience this is an incredible gift, one that may see benefits both physical and emotional well into their future.

Pilates does have a remarkable effect on both physical wellbeing and mental health in young sedentary students.

A 2011 study found that Pilates-based mat exercises had positive impact on life satisfaction, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, and total physical self-concept. [6] While the study did focus on adult women, the benefits for a younger demographic are supported by a more recent study, which concluded that Pilates does have a remarkable effect on both physical wellbeing and mental health in young sedentary students.  [7]



[1] VicHealth 2017, Victorians’ physical activity across life stages, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Melbourne.

[2] VicHealth, 2016, Sport participation in Victoria, 2015 Research summary, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Melbourne.

[3] Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013, Australian Health Survey: Physical Activity, 2011–2012, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.

[4] https://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/

[5] Kolnes, L-J.  Exercise and physical therapy help restore body and self in clients with severe anorexia nervosa. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, PB 4014 Ullevål Stadion, 0806 Oslo, Norway

[6] Cruz, A. and Fernandez, J. et al. Effects of Pilates-Based Exercise on Life Satisfaction, Physical Self-Concept and Health Status in Adult Women, Journal Women and Health, 51(3), 2011, 240-255.

[7] Smruti Swagatika Dash P T. / International Journal of Medicine and Health Profession Research. 6(1), 2019, 112-117

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                    [post_title] => Pilates helps build self-esteem in the teen years
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                    [post_content] => The spine plays a very important role in our body. Whist supporting the head and trunk, it enables us to maintain our upright posture, protection for our neutral pathways in the body interconnecting the whole body system as one for function and life.

When viewing the spine from behind it ideally runs approximately straight up and down. Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal condition in which the spine has a sideways curvature, typically curving in a “c” or “s” shape, and indeed multiple curves. Rotation in the vertebral bodies also appears and has a very negative impact, restricting mechanical structures. (Clippinger 2007)

These causing imbalances of the surrounding muscles, some are stretched and weakened, while others are tight and shortened.
There are two types of causes:
Non-structural or acquired: Leg length discrepancy, asymmetries: loaded side exercises, handedness or postural habits e.g. carrying bag over one shoulder. Equally it has been found that in symmetry sports such as swimming in dance, demonstrating it’s more complex than initially thought. (Becker 1986, Sward 1992).

Idiopathic or unknown cause: This is present at birth and commonly found in girls than boys.

 	
Symptoms:
 	
Leaning to one side
 	
Uneven shoulder and hip height
 	
Weakness in the arms and shoulders
 	
Imbalances in motor activities.

If not addresses the imbalances get worse and severe. It can lead to increased back pain and difficulty breathing, and vulnerability to injury due to the pressure on the spinal structures.

Early detection 10-13 years may be able to halt or slow further progression through treatment.

Pilates helps slow down the progression of spinal curves and gives some reduction in the angle of curvature though improving function and strength in the body, taking the stress off from a scoliosis spine.

Pilates works on trunk stabilisation, building abdominal and back extension strength. In the work with scoliosis emphasising on rotation whilst take care work symmetrically through the body.

Through the corrective and mindfulness technique of Pilates, it helps increase body awareness to enable self-correction of movement.

Improves breathing to move with ease and build a well balance support system. This enables the body to increase its ability to move efficiently in this full 3 dimensional space for improved posture for scoliosis and health of the spine.

 
                    [post_title] => Pilates for Scoliosis
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                    [post_date] => 2019-11-25 08:29:24
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                    [post_content] => 
Infinity Teens Workshop
Join Laura Bennetto for a fun afternoon of Pilates on the mat and see how Pilates benefits this stage of a teenage girl’s life.
Course Details
Presented by Laura Bennetto

Cost:
$40

When:
Saturday 22nd February
1.30pm till 3.30pm

Where:
Infinity Pilates Studio Suite 2, level 1/220 Carlisle Street East St Kilda, Victoria 3183

Phone: 9534 6233

Bookings are essential to secure your place.
Increase Mental Alertness
The Pilates method requires coordination of the mind and body. It is this aspect of Pilates that supports and cultivates the ability to stay focused through increased mental alertness and concentration. A further benefit is reduced heightened stress in the body.
Elevate Fitness to Boost Confidence
The exercises of the Pilates method are taught specific to each individual’s goals and level of fitness. Physical and mental challenges are developed accordingly. This helps to create a sense of achievement in a non-competitive environment and establishes self-confidence.
Improves Postural Alignment and Helps Prevent Joint Issues & Injury
As a young woman experiences physical changes coupled with the demands of study and technology postural imbalances, scoliosis, rounded shoulders and stiffness in the neck and back can be a result. Pilates can address these issues through teaching ways to correct posture, increasing strength, and improving alignment.
Enhance Sports Performance
Being active is an essential part of a teenager’s life. This can be taking part in competitive sporting activities or simply walking your dog in the park. Pilates helps improve strength and co-ordination, supporting the body to function at is best which is vital for optimal performance and prevention of injury.
Social Interaction
The Pilates studio is a great place for parents and teens to train together or for teens to train with a friend. Through sharing a common experience and growing together through shared challenges the opportunity to establish common ground and a strong bond is created.
                    [post_title] => Begin your Pilates Journey with Infinity Teens and Begin a Movement for Life
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                    [post_content] => 
Summer's Coming!
Longer days, warmer temperatures and much socializing and spending time with loved ones, family and friends: So important in this day and age. It's just as well this newsletter doesn't have any seams or they would burst! We have much to share with you including some wonderful opportunities.

So, here we go!
Thoughtful Gift Ideas
Infinity has some great gift ideas for the holiday season if you're still scratching your head looking for inspiration: T-Shirts, Gift Vouchers, Massage Balls, Therabands, Magic Circles, Pilates DVD's, Chi Balls, Pilates Class packages - these are the gifts that keep on giving!

Please contact us at the Reception desk and we'll be happy to sort these out for you.
Christmas 2019/New Year 2020
As the end of the year draws near, many of you will be planning your holiday getaways and social events and you may need to adjust your Pilates bookings.

The last day of Studio operations will be
Saturday 21st December, 2019.
The studio will re-open on
Monday 6th January, 2020.

Please make sure we know your holiday and your return to the studio dates so we can ensure your session bookings are in order.
Mat Work With Laura - Expect A Challenge!
Infinity is excited to announce that Mat Work classes will continue in 2020 on an ongoing basis from
Tuesday 7th January, 12:15pm - 1pm.
What you can Expect?
*Focus on the Flow
During a Mat Work class, there are no pauses to adjust springs and straps, allowing flow from one exercise to the next. This can increase cardiovascular endurance.

*Hello Gravity!
The challenge in Mat Work, rather than relying on the assistance and support of apparatus and spring resistance, is to work against gravity.

*Keep your body guessing!
Our bodies become familiar with particular exercises. Variation is key to achieving results and maintaining motivation.

*Consistency!
Adding an additional session a week will more than double the benefits you are already seeing and experiencing.

*Need another reason?
Give the gift of movement - a great gift idea for family or friends, or indeed yourself!

$25.00 per class. If you buy a package of 10 Mat sessions, receive a 50% discount!
Offer Valid from 7th January to 10th March, 2020.
New Semi Private Sessions!
Laura is also teaching some new Semi Private sessions at the studio!

Tuesday's 1:30pm - 2:30pm and 2:30pm - 3:30pm
in addition to her
Thursdays 5pm, 6pm & 7pm classes
and also her
Friday's 10am, 11am & 12pm sessions.

Laura writes: "The Semi Private setting allows you to really get to know your clients and to work with them to define their own version of progress, challenge and wellness. The small class sizes also means you can adjust their programs according to how they feeling on the day; what they have experienced since their last class and what they feel they would like to achieve. I love the consistency but I also love the challenge of being kept on my toes!"

 
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            [post_content] => I grew up in a busy house as the youngest of three. My sister and brother both trained in competitive swimming, and went on to compete at state championships. In their final year of high school, each was elected as the school swimming captain, and I have fond memories of them bringing home the giant school trophy after winning inter-school competitions.

I was wired a little differently to my sister and brother, and never looked forward to swimming training. I loved playing sport and tried almost every sport at school, but my skill base was more in the motivational side than the sportsman side. I have always loved being part of a team and cheering on my teammates. I loved being the house sport captain, organizing everyone into their events and making sure there was always loud cheering for our house. We even won the spirit cup! My love of cheering people on is very evident in my style as a Pilates instructor.

I started dancing when I was 6, and it will always be a big part of who I am. Up until my final years of school I would dance 5 or 6 days each week, and feel lots of gratitude for my mother who schlepped me around from school orchestra rehearsals to dancing each night and picked me up again 3 hours later. She even fed me dinner in the car on the way, and I’d usually have second dinner once I got home (thanks mum!). I developed a special love for ballet, due in part to being taught by John Byrne, former Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London. He always had me in fits of giggles in class, but also developed my desire to challenge myself to achieve very precise movement and clean technique without losing my artistic expression and freedom. I think what drew me to ballet was the mindfulness aspect – there was no way for my mind to wander through my giant to-do-list from school and music and sport and family and everything else when I had to concentrate all my attention on every single element of my body and my posture (and also try very hard to make it look easy)! This way the perfect challenge for a high achieving adolescent.

These same attributes led me to the Pilates world. The exception was that with ballet I was very aware that I didn’t have the natural affinity to be a dancer. I didn’t have the right level of turnout and my feet weren’t arched enough and I was too heavy. With Pilates, every session gives me an opportunity to find my perfect challenge. I have to focus mind and body for the full session and apply focus and concentration and am constantly challenged to do my best work, but I also get to leave feeling hugely accomplished. I am fascinated by the history of Pilates and am constantly in awe of Joe’s genius feat of engineering to design the equipment and create his system of “Contrology” as he called it at the time. The Pilates world is rich and dynamic and satisfies my need for constant learning and challenge

I studied a commerce degree with a double major in economics and accounting, and a diploma of music on double bass. My favourite thing about uni was joining the comedy club – never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned becoming a comedian, but the friends I made there found my potential and developed the skills that I now use on stage. With my commerce degree in hand I started work as a graduate in audit. I stayed there for three years, in what was an immense challenge for my mental health. I regularly suffer from depression, anxiety and insomnia, and I would not have made it out the other side were it not for a regular practice of Pilates. Pilates anchors me in the present moment and in my body – the key vehicle with which I go through life.

I love my career as a Pilates instructor, and my favourite thing about it is my clients. They give me constant inspiration and I am always learning from them. These interactions get me out of bed every morning. I feel very lucky to have joined Kerrie’s team and the wonderful community at Infinity.

Nicola.

My favourite Pilates exercises

The spine corrector is one equipment is love to use before and after teach to balance out my spinal curves and mobilise my upper back. The overhead is one of my favourite exercises to integrate spinal control and mobility, whilst ensuring lower abdominals and in gear. I use the short pole to give me feedback for shoulder connection.



 

Side overs  – what a beautiful exercise for lateral torso strength and stability! I love this exercise as it is a great way to challenge oblique strength and prepare the body for the more advanced version on the high barrel.



 

 
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