REALISTIC PILATES
Realistic Pilates is an accessible, dynamic, and contemporary approach to Pilates Body Conditioning.
There are many benefits including better posture, proper co-ordination, breathing control and improved flexibility
Pilates is a method of body conditioning, which was developed over 80 years ago by Joseph Pilates.
Classes are mat-based and suitable for complete beginners or those completely new to exercise, with a focus on keeping your body safe and supported at all times. It is a low impact form of exercise. Many class members find spending time on the mat making a mind-body connection very relaxing and helps to quiet and focus the mind.
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There are many benefits including better posture, proper co-ordination, breathing control and improved flexibility and clients often experience improvements in confidence, self-esteem, and self-awareness resulting in a new zest for life!
Realistic Pilates uses slow, controlled, and precise movements and may seem to be a gentle and easy form of exercise; however, its combination of strengthening and mobility moves can create a very intense and highly beneficial workout.
High fitness levels or great suppleness are not a necessary pre-requisite for Pilates. In fact, Realistic Pilates enhances both of these conditions, whilst strengthening the ‘core muscles’ within the torso.
For rehabilitation after injury or for more individual attention, one to one sessions are highly recommended.
LORRAINE'S STORY
In her search for a more gentle, low impact form of exercise, Lorraine arrived back at Pilates.
PRE-PILATES
She has a special interest in Nutrition and combined it with her fitness passion to create a holistic health program
Lorraine's health and fitness journey started in 2013 when she took a leap of faith and opted out of the city rat race, relocating to the beautiful countryside in Balmerino, Fife. Working from home, Lorraine started up her own business,
‘Lollymac’, doing upholstery and making Harris Tweed gift items. This step into self-employment was a successful one and Lorraine still does the odd upholstery commission!
Lorraine's daughter started school that year, freeing up time for Lorraine to explore the various fitness options in the local area. She initially tried Pilates but didn't believe it was what she was looking for at that point in time. Instead, Lorraine found a local Fit Camp and quickly became hooked on HIIT, a fast intensive way to exercise, and loved the community spirit and support is created. It inspired her so much that she later went on to run her own twice-weekly Fit Camp in Newport-on-Tay. As well as organizing and leading several Couch-to-5k running groups, successfully inspiring many to regularly run the local St Andrews Park Run. Lorraine's new passion was not limited to just exercise, she combined it with a special interest in Nutrition and put to good use the BSc in Health Sciences she achieved in 2007.
She engaged the local community, leading many challenge groups that educated and encouraged people to lead a healthier, active lifestyle.
Lorraine had to surrender to a knee injury and a persistent back problem. Not one to sit idle, and in her search for a more gentle, low-impact form of exercise, Lorraine arrived back at Pilates.
FINDING HER PATH
In 2019 she qualified in a Level 3 Diploma in Mat Pilates with Fiona Brown at The Energywise Academy, Edinburgh and in 2020 qualified in Level 3 Pre and Postnatal Clients with Exercise and Nutrition. Always learning and improving Lorraine
most recently attended a Pelvic Floor Awareness Workshop, Menopause Awareness for Pilates Teachers Workshop and Stretch & Relax Instructor Training.
Teaching Pilates began in 2019, for Lorraine, with several busy classes throughout North East Fife and Carnoustie. Unfortunately, Covid 19 stopped all public classes in 2020 but, despite the frustration of not being able to teach
in person, Lorraine created a strong online presence with regular online Zoom classes motivating others to join from their homes and reaching a new online audience.
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Community classes are now up and running again alongside online classes.
Check out the testimonials to see the amazing feedback from both regulars and newcomers for yourself!
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RE-DISCOVERING PILATES
Lorraine could see the real advantages to a "less is more" exercise philosophy.
Initially, it was challenging coming from the high paced exercise environment of Fit Camp to the gentle, slow, and precise practice of Pilates. However, over time, Lorraine soon found Pilates taught her to quieten her mind and really connect with her body and began to notice the different physical qualities that came from slow stretching and mindfulness in comparison to high-intensity workouts.
Her body thanked her for it! Lorraine's knee and back pain became more manageable with regular Pilates classes.
Seeing the changes in her own body and mind through weekly Pilates classes, once again, inspired Lorraine to find a way to share her experience.
