I’m Laura Chandler a Level 3 Pilates instructor on a mission to help people harness the power of Pilates to renew their energy and create calm. I live in Wooburn Green, Bucks, with my husband Rob and Labrador Dave.
I discovered Pilates as a means to manage the stress of a pressurised career in Marketing. The focus on breathing and the deep mind-body connection of Pilates recharges depleting energy levels, improves creativity and focus and switches your nervous system to one of calm.
Feeling strong and supple physically and mentally in an increasingly demanding world feels like a super power. I want to share the many benefits of Pilates with anyone feeling that they need improved energy levels or to feel calm, stretched and relaxed. I teach group classes, private one-to-ones and corporate in-house programmes – all currently via Zoom video links.
What actually is Pilates?
Pilates is an inclusive, intelligent form of exercise: it’s gentle enough for anyone to try it – you don’t have to work up a sweat – but when done correctly it’s incredibly effective, leaving you feeling lengthened, strengthened, calm and relaxed in both mind and body, even after just one session. Each week is different from the last targeting a different set of muscles each time. It’s mat based using your own body weight for resistance along with some fun equipment including balls, bands and blocks.
It’s based on deliberate, low-impact movements working on flexibility, muscular strength and endurance – controlled movement for a purpose rather than just pounding away at a treadmill. From slow deep core workouts to small postural muscle exercises, you soon develop a real mind-body connection by deliberately activating individual muscles and understanding what each movement will achieve for your body and mind. As a result, you end up in peak physical and mental condition; with better posture, muscle tone, joint mobility, balance, and a lot less stress.
I’ve developed two styles of Pilates: Energy Pilates a higher-impact Energy Pilates for people who want to get more blood pumping and endorphins flowing and Zen Pilates for people who want to work holistically and gently with their minds and bodies to restore calm and energy. Not many workouts include massage oils and blankets! You can find out more about the classes here
And don’t ever worry about not being able to manage the movements, there is always an adaptation to suit you.
As a gesture of thanks during this difficult time: I’m offering NHS/front line staff free Zen Pilates classes. If you, or anyone you know, is an NHS/front line worker (NHS staff, emergency services, and healthcare workers) please drop me an email and I’ll send the Zoom link to attend the class. I hope it brings a moment of calm and an opportunity to regenerate your energy.
