“Why do you do pilates? I do pilates for resistance/strength training (sooo important for living ‘weller’ and longer!) that is gentle on my joints. I also do it for something ‘for me’ - amongst the busy-ness of work/kids/life, its 45mins in a gorgeous, calming setting - I know I will feel good when I get there and even better afterwards. I want to have a strong body and mind both now and as I get older, and pilates really helps my muscles, my bones, and my mental wellbeing. And what do you love about it? I love that I can work really hard, sweat, puff and get a great workout which I can feel the next day but isn’t brutal on my body.
Equally, if I’m having a tough day, I can turn up and be a bit gentler on myself if I need to, while still getting some quality exercise. I love that it works both strength and flexibility, which makes it a great both as a main form of exercise but also amazing as cross-training for other sports. It can be as hard or as easy as you make it, which means it can benefit anyone - teens to older adults, men and women - and it can be easily adapted to accommodate different abilities, injuries, pregnancy etc. What is your favourite thing about Wellness Station? The people! The instructors are amazing - you know you are going to work hard, but they will have a laugh with you along the way, and there is only ever encouragement, no judgement… including when you run into class a few minutes late! They are ‘normal’ people who never mention appearance or put any focus on that.
Other pilates-goers are warm and welcoming. There is always a friendly smile, a chat if you want it, but it’s also totally accepted for you to turn up and enjoy some quiet solitude. At the Wellness Station everyone is welcome simply for who and as they are, and I love that. What is your favourite pilates exercise? I love a good leg workout - anything which works my quads, hammies, glutes, calves… and especially the jump board! That’s my happy place. I also enjoy long spine (who doesn’t love feet in straps!). What would you say to someone who is keen to try about pilates but is nervous? Jump in and come join us at the Wellness Station! You definitely won’t regret it. Get some grippy socks from reception on the way to your first class (you can pay for them later), and come lie on a reformer bed. Relax for a minute in the knowledge that you are in kind, safe hands, then let them guide you through the class till you get the hang of it. If you don’t want to come back for class 2, I’ll eat my hat!”
— Sara
