Move

Pilates is a low-impact exercise programme designed to enhance posture, strength, flexibility, balance and stability for anyone of any age and fitness level.

Teaching Pilates in Tonbridge

Sarah has been teaching Pilates since 1999 running classes and one to one sessions from her fully equipped studio in Tonbridge. Sarah’s studio has a complete set of spring resistance Pilates equipment – cadillac, reformer & stability chair alongside barrels and small equipment. Sarah’s clients range from 16 to 91 years old with almost equal numbers of men and women. She is able to teach pre and post-natal, pre and post surgery, post breast cancer treatment as well as following injury and maintaining fitness levels.

Pilates for fitness

Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilising the core (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle region, sometimes referred to as the“powerhouse”).

The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is over-worked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity.

Pilates exercises can be performed on a mat or on specialised equipment.

Sarah will use Pilates principles and exercise, alongside any suitable treatment, to encourage good movement patterns and optimal diaphragmatic breathing that are programmed for what your body needs.

“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong then you are young.”

Joseph Pilates

Pilates FAQs

Covid 19 Safe Clinic & Treatments

What to expect from your appointment, working practices in the light of COVID 19

At Breathe Balance Move studio, the safety of our clinician/Pilates instructor Sarah and you, the patient/client is our first priority. We have new working practices and hygiene precautions in place in the clinic to reflect the challenges we face in the current COVID-19 epidemic. We are using the most current advice that we have received from the government and our professional body (The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy – CSP) and we are taking every step to implement their guidance.

You will receive the highest level of care and skill from Sarah with these measures in place.

All new patients/clients will have a telephone consultation before being offered a face to face or a virtual (video) appointment.

Face to face appointments for physiotherapy will be offered if a virtual appointment will not resolve symptoms effectively, as advised by the CSP.
When you arrive for your appointment, please come to the studio. The gate will be open & I will open the door to the studio as you approach. I will offer hand sanitiser on arrival (70% alcohol) or the use of the bathroom to wash your hands.
I will maintain social distancing at the beginning of your appointment and I will wear the recommended PPE (currently a face mask, however if you would feel more comfortable Sarah can wear an apron & gloves) throughout your treatment session.
You are not required to wear a mask for your treatment but you may choose to bring your own face covering.

All face to face appointments will be scheduled with time between to ensure that equipment and surfaces are deep cleaned, PPE is changed and there is no chance of meeting another patient/client.

I hope that these new measures to maintain a safe environment will enable you to come to the clinic/studio if you need physiotherapy or would like to practice Pilates.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Sarah.

Should I do one-to-one sessions or a group class?

One-to-one sessions are recommended to those who have a specific injury, condition or problem. These sessions are particularly beneficial to everyone as the exercises are specifically tailored to the individual & can be booked to suit your daily schedule. Group classes hold between 4 – 6 people which allows for some individual attention & modification & are held at various times throughout the week.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Improves balance, co-ordination, circulation, strength & flexibility
Increases core strength and stability
Re-balances muscles around the joints
Improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, dance etc)
Helps prevent injuries
Complements massage, physiotherapy, chiropractic and other therapies
No-impact exercise, easy on the joints
Helps relieve aches and pains
Improves posture

Why should I do Pilates?

It is a great movement technique that can be modified to suit every body type and ability. It integrates seamlessly with diaphragmatic breathing to build core stability and improve movement throughout the body, especially the back.