Move and feel better with Anita Benoit Pilates
Why Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that helps to improve balance, posture, strength and flexibility and is suitable for most people. We move the spine in every direction and pay particular attention to core strength and stability, important for injury prevention. Pilates is a form of body-mind movement where we flow through exercises, paying attention to how the body is feeling in that moment, helping us to make appropriate choices to support our wellbeing.
My Classes
Classes are friendly and supportive and suitable for both ladies and men. Everyone is welcomed and offered adaptations/guidance if needed, to enhance the whole movement experience. The style of teaching is calm and you are encouraged to build strength at your own pace.
Most of us spend more time than ideal in the same position (e.g. sitting over devices/bending down to children/pets), so it is healthy we counteract this by moving the spine in all directions, which can help ease aches and pains. We do plenty of functional movements (e.g. squats), mirroring the natural demands of every day life and boosting our stamina. We finish each session with a short mindfulness based meditation to find stillness, helping release tension and promoting overall feelings of wellbeing before continuing with our day.
About Me
I discovered the benefits of Pilates myself through experiencing recurrent lower back pain and found my symptoms improving after attending classes regularly. In 2018 I took the plunge and trained as a Pilates Instructor whilst at home raising my young children. I previously worked for many years in Local Authority and have a degree in Youth and Community work. Although what I do now is different, classes offer a sense of community which is invaluable. I am passionate about making exercise accessible and where mobility prevents people getting to the floor, I offer classes in seated and standing and I also teach Exercise & Rehabilitation after Stroke. After practicing mindfulness meditation myself for many years, I now hold a certificate in Mindfulness Teaching.
My relevant certifications are as follows:
- APPI Certified Mat-work Pilates Instructor
- Functional Rehabilitation & Exercise Training After Stroke with the ARNI Institute (Action Rehabilitation from Neurological Injury) at BSc level 4 accredited through Middlesex University.
- Certificate in Mindfulness Teaching, Mindfulness Now (UK College of Mindfulness Meditation)
- Level 3 Pilates Diploma, Future Fit
- Level 3 Award: Designing Pre and Post Natal Exercise Programmes, Future Fit
- Course: Neuro-Pilates (APPI)
- Course: Kids & Teens Pilates (APPI)
- Course: Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Conditions (Future Fit)
- Course: Pilates and the Menopause (APPI)
- Course: Pilates and Mindfulness (APPI)
- Course: Pilates with small equipment (Future Fit)
About Anita Benoit Pilates
Our Mission
Our Community
Our Approach
Anita Benoit Pilates mission is to provide a supportive and encouraging environment where you become stronger and more confident in your movement whilst learning how to use Mindfulness mediation as a tool for wellbeing.
Our Approach
Our Community
Our Approach
Anita Benoit Pilates takes a whole body approach to reflect how the body works as a system and will offer guidance and adaptations wherever needed.
Our Community
Our Community
Our Community
Anita Benoit Pilates strives to create a welcoming and inclusive community where individuals feel comfortable to challenge themselves at their own pace.