Pilates has been around for about 100 years and was first created to help rehabilitate WW1 soldiers by Joseph Pilates. Pilates was inspired by the movement of cats, which you can see in some of the Pilates repertoire.
Hi, I’m Gemma!
I’m a Stott Pilates instructor and have been teaching here at Walnut Grove for almost 9 years. I started my working life as a personal trainer but soon realised that I wanted to train in something more specific. I discovered Stott Pilates and registered on a course in Cheltenham, certifying in 2012 and have never looked back! I love Pilates because it is for all abilities and ages; you can move at your pace, making great progress along the way.
My Classes
My passion is spreading the benefits and joy of Pilates as well as welcoming newcomers into my classes. It doesn’t matter if you have never done Pilates before as we offer different levels of challenge in the class. I continuously attend new courses and workshops, to expand my knowledge and repertoire to help keep things fresh, new and never boring. I love incorporating equipment into my classes, from the foam roller to the fitness circle. They bring different challenges to the individual and more body awareness. My classes are not just about building core strength, although this will happen, but also about socialising, meeting new people and making new friends, improving mental health and feeling in a safe space. Other benefits include flexibility and strength. My aim is that you leave my class smiling knowing you have done what you can.
The Benefits
Recent feedback from one of my clients, who has now been with me for almost two years, said:
“From my observation and experience, I feel Gemma ensures newcomers feel they are getting the attention they require and therefore the confidence to do it”.
This particular client started with me feeling apprehensive, not knowing if Pilates would help or hinder their back. However, they are so pleased they joined the class as they have found a new core strength, they now find they can physically tighten their abs and control them, making them feel stronger. This is a massive achievement as they had not been able to do this in quite a few years.
Another of my clients, who started just over a year ago, had several aches and pains, lower back issues and arthritic knees that were worsening. They decided to give Pilates a try. When they first started, they struggled with getting on and off the floor, feeling sick when laying on their back and struggling with any exercise that involved rolling through the spine. Through doing my Pilates classes weekly, I have worked with them, advising throughout, using modifications where appropriate and slowly progressing them through the movements, giving little bits of homework along the way. They are now finding that their back pain is much better, can get on and off the floor more easily, and roll-down movements are now more fluid. With regards to feeling sick when laying on the floor, we found using a slightly thicker head cushion has helped and they can now lay down without feeling dizzy.
It is all about making the person feel as comfortable as we can and adjusting in whatever way if necessary – something I know that all of my colleagues do at Walnut Grove. We are fortunate that we keep our classes small, specifically for this reason, to ensure you get the best possible experience and the best instruction and results possible.
I am passionate about what I do, helping people and teaching and feel this comes through in my classes and the way that I teach. Pilates is a huge part of who I am.
If you are interested in trying Gemma’s Pilates class, which runs on Thursdays, 5-6 pm & 6-7 pm then visit our website www.walnutgroveclinic.com or call 01275818303 where our reception can help guide you and book your class in.
