What more could you want from an exercise technique?
If you are intrigued to know more about this most beneficial exercise technique, I invite you to browse around my website.
Alternatively, you can contact me by email at: bev@bjfcoaching.me.uk
or telephone: 07530 191 275
Affiliate Links
My name is Bev Francis and I am a fully qualified Pilates’ group mat work teacher, teaching the Pilates Institute Method. I have helped others to benefit from this style of Pilates for over 7 years. My system of teaching Pilates is as a result of my own personal experience of how Modified Pilates helped me to recover fully from extensive joint injury.
When teaching, my overall aim is: ‘Helping You Fulfil Your Body’s Potential’
- I endeavour to impart all that I have learnt to help others whilst reflecting the principles, values and beliefs of its originator, Joseph Pilates.
- I assess individual needs and as a result provide modified exercise that is safe and effective according to posture, injury and ability.
- I provide structured learning that aids progression at a pace to suit each individual.
- I aim to provide exercise that is fun by providing light-hearted moments whilst ensuring that the principles of this successful exercise form are not disregarded.
How Pilates Helped Me
After completely shattering my wrist joint in a cycling accident, I had 2 operations resulting in an external fixation holding everything in place as I waited to see what the outcome was to be. My consultant diagnosed that the extent of the damage would result in limited joint movement and use of my wrist. He suggested that it was highly unlikely that I would return to teaching fitness especially if exercise involved lifting weights or placing weight onto my hand.
Having returned to my job as Group Fitness Manager at a commercial health club, I did indeed resign and my injury was a major factor in this decision. I had hoped to return to some form of competitive cycling at Masters’ level but when I tried to ride my bike I experienced agonising pain and weakness in one leg on every pedal turn. Eventually I realised that I had also injured my pelvis and hip in the accident.
Before my accident, as a way of developing my on-going training, I had started teacher training at The Pilates Institute in London and after the accident I continued with this in the hope that it might enable me to return to some form of exercise teaching, taking into account my injuries. During this time, I became acquainted with two people whose knowledge and expertise proved to be invaluable – a Sports Injury Therapist and an Osteomyologist. Their knowledge gave me a better understanding of my injuries and how to address them which complemented my training at The Pilates Institute. I learnt about rehabilitation and applied all that I was learning to my personal situation.
During this time I became increasingly conscious of the principles, values and beliefs that dominated Joseph Pilates’ exercise system, the need to apply them consistently and the intricacy of rehabilitative exercise.
I came to understand what Joseph Pilates meant when he said that the mind, not emotions, controlled the body as I had to overcome feelings of frustration and despair and follow a plan of action to aid my recovery.
I learnt figuratively and literally ‘to walk before I tried to run’ following Joseph Pilates’ philosophy that each exercise had to be mastered before moving onto the next one. This wasn’t easy as it requires an orderly and disciplined attitude. I had to assess my starting point, come to terms with and accept my situation and work methodically towards my goal.
Finally, I realised that I would only achieve my goal through commitment, the major principle that dominated Joseph Pilates’ work. I had to be committed to learning how to make my wrist work once more and practicing the exercises routinely, repeatedly and regularly.
As I applied everything, I made a full recovery slowly but surely.
If you would like to know more about this truly amazing exercise, please browse around the website. I hope that you find it informative and helpful. If you wish to know more or have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
Pilates Institute Matwork Diploma Level 3
Further qualifications:
OCR Level 2 Gym and Circuits
OCR Level 2 Exercise to Music
Former Body Training Systems, Spinning and Aqua Instructor