The Pilates Method

The Pilates Method was developed in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), who opened the first Pilates studio in New York in 1926. Pilates first came to the UK in 1970 and nowadays it is becoming increasingly more popular with the general public, professional sportsmen and women, and celebrities. Pilates is a philosophy of movement, based on a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The Pilates Teacher uses this knowledge to create a comprehensive exercise programme for each client, with the aim of restoring balance to the body and improving functional movement patterns. It is this holistic approach that sets the Pilates Method apart from many other forms of exercise. Osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and GPs are now recommending Pilates as one of the safest and most effective forms of exercise, particularly as a remedial technique for those suffering from back problems and other injuries.

Pilates is suitable for everyone regardless of age, ability or experience. Whether you are elderly or young; stiff or flexible; an office worker or an athlete, Pilates can help you to improve your performance, body shape, posture and movement. It can improve mobility, balance, coordination, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and confidence. Many people find it helps them to relax and relieve stress, increases their energy levels, or gives them a feeling of well-being. It is also extremely useful for pre- and post-natal women, although most group classes are not appropriate during pregnancy unless it is a specialist class. If you have a serious injury or other special needs then you will probably require private classes. Minor injuries can usually be accommodated in group classes, but please speak to me first if you are unsure.

Pilates is a subtle form of exercise that requires great concentration. By performing precise, controlled movements you can increase your self-awareness, enabling you to re-educate your body to move more efficiently and use less tension. Pilates is not an easy technique to master, as it requires you to coordinate your breathing and movement (often the biggest challenge for beginners). It also requires you to focus on several different body parts simultaneously, and this takes practise so do not expect immediate results. Try not to be discouraged if you find it difficult or confusing at first. With perseverance, most people master the basics within a few months and soon feel much more confident about their movement. It is an extremely rewarding form of exercise because it causes subtle but profound changes to your body, which can stay with you for the rest of your life. Pilates focuses on strengthening the deep ‘core’ muscles of the body (particularly the abdominals and pelvic floor), which helps to prevent injuries and leads to better alignment and greater ease of movement in everyday life.

Leila Coppock, Pilates teacher

I am a Pilates Foundation matwork teacher working in the area surrounding Salisbury (Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset), as well as in Islington, London. I teach many of my clients privately, and I currently teach 8 group classes a week: Find out about classes here
I have been practising Pilates since 1995 and I am absolutely passionate about teaching it. I currently work with clients ranging from 12 to 85 years old. I have experience of working with pre- and post-natal women, and with people suffering from numerous different injuries and illnesses, including: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neural problems, sciatica, high and low blood pressure, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), scoliosis, slipped discs, spinal fusion, spinal fractures, diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles after pregnancy), osteoporosis, arthritis, hip replacements, hernias, and hyper-mobility. I have also worked with the under-16 Bristish Dressage Squad, using Pilates to help them improve their riding skills.
I originally trained and worked as a contemporary dancer before retraining as a massage therapist, personal trainer, nutrition / weight-management consultant, and Pilates teacher. I am a member of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) at level 3, a member of Embody (the Complementary Therapists Association), and a member of the PILATESfoundation UK.

The Pilates Foundation is the only not-for-profit professional Pilates organisation in the UK. It is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the Pilates Method and providing the highest possible standard of training and teaching. The Pilates Foundation trains its teachers more thoroughly and for significantly longer than any other teacher-training organisation in the UK. All members are bound by its Code of Conduct and Ethics and are required to participate in continued professional development and training each year. For more information about Pilates, or to find your nearest teacher, visit www.pilatesfoundation.com