PILATES
WITH MAXINE
WHY PILATES?
Pilates has many benefits, for both body and mind. By practising weekly and comitting long term you will soon notice them.
Benefits of pilates include:
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Improved posture and alignment
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Increased core strength and muscle tone
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Increased flexibility
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Stress relief
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Effective breathing
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Injury prevention
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Improving pelvic floor function
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Pilates is a body training method which trains your deep postural muscles, famously the core muscles. In its simplest form it helps to improve posture and can prevent, or relieve back pain. At a more advanced level it is a full body conditioning method used by professional dancers and athletes alike.
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THE HISTORY OF PILATES
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates and originally called Contrology.
Joseph Pilates born in Germany in 1883, he was a frail and sickly child. Determined to overcome his ailments he looked to physical fitness to help improve his health. He trained in gymnastics and also became a diver and a skier.
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In 1912 he lived in the UK and worked as a circus performer and self defence instructor, but was called back to Germany to serve during the First World War. During this time he developed his own technique of physical fitness and trained his fellow internees. In the later part of WW1 he worked in a hospital rehabilitating patients who couldn't walk. It was here he developed his pilates studio equipment, such as the cadillac and reformer.
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Joseph emigrated to the United States around 1925. He founded a studio in New York with his wife, Clara, and was soon established within the professional dance community. Word quickly spread and he was visited by many celebrities of his day, with most of the clientele being men. In 1945 he published a book 'Return to Life through Contrology' and both Joseph and Clara directly taught and supervised their students well into the 1960s. They passed the method on to some apprentices who are now know as the 'Pilates Elders'.
Joseph Pilates passed away aged 83 in 1967, it was only then that the method was known as Pilates.
Body Control Pilates are proudly continuing to teach Joe's method and having directly worked with some of the Pilates Elders.
WHY BODY CONTROL PILATES?
Body Control are proud to have developed a world-renowned Pilates training programme, the biggest outside of the USA. They work on a regular basis with Mary Bowen and Lolita San Miguel, both of whom trained directly with Joe and Clara Pilates and are know as 'Pilates Elders'. This provides Body Control with an invaluable first-hand link back to the origins of the Pilates Method.
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Body Control have adapted the ‘classical’ exercises developed by Joseph Pilates, as they believe that many of these exercises are not completely suitable for the average person and the average body. This ensures that Body Control Pilates is a safe and effective method. Their exercises are broken down to establish good movement skills, thus building the best possible foundation and technique upon which to progress towards the classical, more advanced work. This is the essence of the Body Control Pilates Method, which is why Maxine chose to train with them over any other Pilates teacher training. Body Control Pilates is remarkably effective and medically approved. It is of an holistic nature, being based upon a well-constructed philosophical foundation.
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If you are interested in finding out more about Body Control Pilates then please click here to visit their website.
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ABOUT MAXINE
I started Pilates when I was at University, as I had heard it was good for dancers. I fell in love with this mindful way of moving my body. It left me feeling calm and relaxed, but was a great way to strengthen my body whilst maintaining my flexibility. This sparked my interest to continue to explore Pilates and I knew I would like to teach it myself one day.
After I graduated in 2010 I moved to London to become a dance artist, performing and teaching for many professional dance companies and institutions all over the UK, India, China and Saudi Arabia. I lived and worked in Qatar for 3 years, which is when I trained to become a Pilates matwork teacher with Body Control Pilates. I went on to complete the advanced level matwork training and do the pilates in pregnancy qualification. I still train and study now, to continue to better my knowledge and I actively follow new research within the movement and exercise field.
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On my return to the UK I set up 'Pilates with Maxine', teaching around South East Kent. My business has grown organically over the last few years. I also still freelance for The Royal Opera House and Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, which allows me to teach creative dance projects across the UK.
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I am passionate about movement, and firmly believe movement is medicine. I love teaching Pilates and helping people connect with their bodies and move better. When I hear of improvements in pain levels or flexibilty in my clients daily lives, this is when I know I have found the right job for me. I love to help people move better.
My classes are friendly and fun, whilst challenging individuals to move the best they can. I advocate that Pilates is for everyBODY. So everyone is welcome to join my classes.
"The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power."
CLASSES & PRICING
MONDAYS
5.15-6.15pm, Gentle Pilates, Lydden Village Hall
6.20-7.20pm, Lydden Village Hall
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7.45-8.45pm, Bridge Village Hall
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TUESDAYS
10-11am , Lydden Village Hall
11.45-12.45pm, Gentle Pilates, Etchinghill Village Hall
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1.15-2.15pm, Private Session
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7.30-8.10pm, ZOOM Online Class
WEDNESDAYS
5.30-6.30pm, Gentle Pilates, River Village Hall
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6.40-7.40pm, River Village Hall
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THURSDAYS
9.15am, St Margaret's Village Hall
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10.30am, Gentle Pilates, St Margaret's Village Hall
The next term begins on Monday 8th January 2024
Classes are £9.00 for 1 hour in-person, or £6 for a 40minute Zoom class.
Sold in a term block of 6-8 weeks. (See Terms & Conditions below for more info).
All classes are mixed level unless stated otherwise, they are suitable for beginners up to intermediate levels.
Gentle Pilates is suitable for beginners, people who suffer from back pain, post natal, or those recovering from injury or surgery. It is Gentle, not to be confused with easy.
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There is a maximum of 12 people per class. You need to bring a mat and a hand towel for under your head. All other equipment is provided. If you prefer you can bring your own equipment to class.
Please wear comfortable clothes that you can move easily in. Fitted clothes are best to allow Maxine to make posture and alignment corrections.
Classes run throughout the year but not on bank holidays. You will be notified of term dates in advance. We do not always break in half terms or school holidays, but there may be some timetable changes during the summer.
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WANT TO JOIN A CLASS?
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If you are new to Pilates then you will need to do a private 1:1 Introductory Session before you join a group class. This applies even if you have practised Pilates before, unless you took classes in a Pilates studio or with a physio.
Introductory Sessions are 1 hour and cost £35, this is usually done at your home or can be done online via Zoom. Please contact Maxine to arrange your private 1:1 Introductory Session.
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To join a class you will need to fill out a client enrolment form, please click here to download one. If you answer yes to any questions then please fill out the notes section with more detail. All information is strictly confidential.
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PRIVATES, 1:1 or 2:1
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If you prefer a private class in the comfort of your own home then please contact Maxine to arrange. You will still need to fill out a client enrolment form and you can discuss with Maxine what you hope to achieve in the class. Private sessions start at £40p/hr for 1:1 or £50 for 2:1, depending on where you live.
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PRIVATE GROUP CLASSES
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If you want a private class for your friends or work team then please contact Maxine to arrange. As long as you have an empty space and an hour of time we can design a class to suit your group! It could be a relaxing lunch hour or a challenging evening class.
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TERMS & CONDITIONS
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Body Control Pilates does not promote a ‘drop-in’ system, so all classes are booked as a term and paid in advance.
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* If you work shifts we can arrange for you to join different classes each week as long as there is space and it is booked in advance.
* You are expected at class each week, unless you have notified Maxine that you are away on holiday or fall ill.
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* If you cannot attend a class in the term because of a holiday or illness you are welcome to book 'make up class' within that term. Make up classes need to be booked in and can only be offered if there is space in the class, therefore if you are away please notify Maxine as this allows others to do make up sessions.
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*If you want to change or cancel a private session you are expected to give more than 24 hours notice. If you only give 24 hours notice you will be charged 50%, less than 12 hours notice you will be charged 100% of the fee.
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* If there is a change in your health then please notify Maxine.
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* Refunds are not offered, however, if you have a change of circumstances then exceptions to these Terms & Conditions will be at Maxine's discretion.
“In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see a difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body”
Joseph Pilates
CHARITY CLASSES
Want to join our online Pilates classes and raise money for charity? Register your interest via the contact page.
Classes will be held on Zoom and a donation is required prior to class. The amount raised will be donated to the chosen charity and shared after class so you will know how much we raised.
Looking forward to zooming with you soon for a good cause!
PREVIOUS CHARITY CLASSES:
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NOV 2020 - £305 for DOVER FOODBANK
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JAN 2021 - £140 for LORD WHISKEY ANIMAL SANCTUARY
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MARCH 2022 - £800 for BRITISH RED CROSS UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL
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JULY 2022 - £140.50 for LOCAL CHARITY BIKE RIDE
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FEB 2023 - £506.25 for WHITE HELMETS & CHOOSE LOVE supporting TURKEY & SYRIA
NEXT CHARITY CLASS
To Be Confirmed . . .
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“Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit”
Joseph Pilates
SHOP
SPIKY MASSAGE BALL £8.00
Used for muscle tension release or stimulation. Approx 9cm.
SOFT BALL (Overball) £8.50
Use to add challenge to your pilates exercises or aid relaxation. Approx 8 inches.
BODY CONTROL BAND £7.50
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Use to add resistance to your workout improving strength and control. Approx 1.5m.
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To submit an order please use the contact page. If you are a client then I will bring the items to class for you. If not I can post items at an additional cost.
TESTIMONIALS
"I am a 58 year old overweight woman and have never done any physical activity, not even walking. I have been going to Pilates with Maxine for 3 months. I do one session a week and the difference in my joints is amazing. I even sat crossed legged recently and I cannot remember the last time I have done that! The classes are so relaxing and hard at the same time. Maxine always sets a challenge so you can push yourself if you want to and the classes are always different and very enjoyable. I can really feel the difference." Carol, Dover
"I look forward to my Gentle Pilates Class on Wednesday. I already feel the benefit from your teaching. After being unable to walk any distance for the past 2 years whilst waiting for my hip replacement surgery, my legs are already feeling much stronger and more lively. And the same goes for the rest of me, more upright and balanced. I really enjoy your style of teaching Pilates Mat Work."
Valerie, River
"It really helped me recover from a shoulder injury and also improved my flexibility and posture. Classes are relaxed and have different levels to aim for, allowing you to push yourself as much as you feel comfortable with." Chris, River
"Excellent weekly Pilates class, I attend once a week. So far I've probably done about 8 classes and feel I am really progressing. Maxine is a brilliant teacher, explaining all the routines clearly and making sure you're doing them right. I feel I work harder in Pilates than I did doing circuit training! Thanks Maxine"
Caroline, Bridge