My Name is Samantha aka Sam. I have enjoyed regular exercise for many years. I remember my very first ‘keep fit’ class at just 15 years old. I was new to exercise and remember feeling extremely unfit (even at 15) trying to keep up with everyone was a challenge and the sweat fell of me. Soon after the class I felt amazing and weirdly full of energy my ‘endorphins’ went crazy and I was instantly hooked.
“When we exercise our bodies produce Endorphins, a group of peptide hormones are produced that help ease pain and make you feel calm and happy”.
Exercise very quickly became a part of my life and I wanted to teach other people and share my enthusiasm for fitness. To this end I acquired my Level 2 in gym instructing and L2 exercise to music, allowing me to teach others how to use weights effectively and teach aerobic/ body conditioning exercise classes.
However, over time I experienced my own challenges and developed Plantar-fasciitis (inflammation of the feet) This made any aerobic style fitness very painful and teaching almost impossible.
I started looking for alternative exercise classes, something that would enable me to continue to teach without putting pressure on my inflammed feet, but also something I could enjoy long-term. This is when I discovered Pilates. I fell in love with the methodology instantly!
Pilates offers a full body workout and is designed to make you “feel the burn” The practice of Pilates focuses on strengthening your core, improving posture, flexibility and stability of the spine. It’s also great for stress management and relaxation, helping you to improve overall physical health. Pilates allows you to work at your own pace no matter your age, fitness level or ability/ disability; there are options to suit everyone and it really does work!
I am now a fully qualified Level 3 Mat Pilates teacher; I have been practicing for the past 7 years. I’ve never look back and I’ve never felt stronger.
If you at times find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed, I would really recommend giving Pilates a go it’s very likely you’ll find yourself in a room with like-minded people, all there to spend an hour away from their thoughts whilst sculpting and toning their bodies. For me it’s a win win.
In addition to mat based Pilates & body conditioning classes, I also offer chair based exercise classes. These classes are suitable for anyone. We use bands and balls and you can move at your own pace, do as much or as little as you feel, avoiding any problem areas as needed.
My classes are run in a relaxed friendly manor and open to anyone willing to learn. Please don’t feel shy we all started at the beginning.
“A body freed from nervous tension and over-fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well-balanced mind that is always fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living.” J.H. Pilates