VAL DOWNING |
|
CAMBRIDGESHIRE / NORFOLK
Equipilates Biomechanics Trainer™ 07855 954387 I first discovered pilates as a result of suffering with chronic low back pain. Years of running weight lifting and personal training clients had taken its toll. MRI scans showed that I had degenerative discs in my lumbar spine and the consultant advised I refrain from riding and running. My osteopath at the time suggested I try this new exercise regime pilates which I did. However as it was new to the UK, not many teachers were available at the time, so I had to travel from Oxford to London to have sessions at Gordon Thompsons studio in South Kensington, later to become the original training centre for body control pilates. I was a mess, muscle imbalances and an asymmetric pelvis meant I was in constant pain some days I could barely walk let alone ride. Finding this method of movement agreeable to my own recovery, I enrolled on one of Lynn Robinsons first teacher training courses back in 1998 for pilates mat work, also studying intermediate and advanced mat work plus pre/postnatal pilates. At one time I was a supervising teacher for the body control pilates association. My quest to learn more led me to the studio of Daphne Pena Higgs, a classically trained pilates teacher. I spent 2 years with her learning the original pilates teachings plus all the pilates apparatus, reformer, cadillac barrels etc. In 2003 I came across the gyrotonic expansion system and studied in London, Vienna and Rome attaining certification as a level one instructor in Miami in 2005 under the watchful eye of Juliu Horvarth the creator of the gyrotonic expansion system. Three years ago I relocated to the Cambridgeshire borders and found equipilates through Lindsays book. I applied to study as a Biomechanics Trainer in 2015 and am partway through my studies for advanced biomechanics trainer which I hope to complete this year. This has allowed me to combine my two passions in life, riding and pilates and I have new found enthusiasm for teaching thanks to Lindsay. I am pleased to be able to offer one to one and group tuition in equipilates together with clinics and workshops in Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. I feel that all riders no matter if they are old or young will benefit from equipilates especially if they are recovering from injury or suffer with low back pain. Contact me on. 07855 954387 or find me on Facebook @ West Anglia Pilates/Equipilates and Intrinsic biomechanics |