TRAINING
INDIVIDUAL TRAINING
There are many possibilities when training individually as there is a complete adjustment to your specific needs and objectives. Some of my clients come to gain in strength, others in flexibility, others for calm and others because of injury. 24 years of teaching a great spectrum of individuals has challenged and helped them to grow in their bodily awareness and, with them, my teaching expertise as well. The result being my clients not only meet their objectives, but largely surpass them!
Pilates Reformer
Personal training sessions are based on the Reformer, the centerpiece of most workouts, according to the preference of my clients.
With variations and modifications, training on the Reformer can span from beginner’s to advanced exercises that can challenge the abilities of even professional dancers and athletes. The exercises condition the entire body in a healthy blend of strength and flexibility that is the basis of all well-taught functional training programs. The Pilates Reformer taught one-on-one offers unparalleled benefits and safety that is far removed from the watered-down chaotic versions that flood the popular market today. A close collaboration between a knowledgeable instructor and client is key to truly understanding the value and depth of the Pilates technique.
Apart from the Reformer, there are many different kinds of smaller equipment that is at your disposition when working out.
The Pilates ring, Swiss ball and roller, the exercise rack and elastics, dumbbells, leg-weights as well as a variety of yoga equipment, such as the back-bender, can also challenge the client in new ways to meet and go beyond their objectives and expectations.
In my studio, you’ll be in good hands to learn the satisfying richness and wealth of a seemingly endless movement vocabulary.
History of the Pilates Reformer
“The Pilates Reformer” is a published article about the history of the Reformer that I wrote for The Brussels Times. Click here to access.
GROUP TRAINING
Group training is structured primarily around Pilates exercises and some yoga poses. The classes are a maximum of 5 participants, so you will be noticed and corrected to advance in your understanding 🙂. The emphasis is on integrating, being aware of, the entire body as it moves, bringing a meditative aspect to the exercises. An advanced exercise is not just the scale of physical performance, but about one’s ability to discover the quality of the movements unique to each exercise, moment by moment.
Attitude is everything. I try to provide an exercise environment that is non-competitive in all it’s aspects with others and with oneself. The body is not something to be dominated, but needs to be worked with and “listened” to. This, I believe, is what separates my (our) work from others. We can have a good workout, have a few laughs, and learn that within a workout, there is the bigger picture of bringing us to a calmer, more serene part of ourselves.
Within a small group, you’ll receive the close attention you deserve and require to grow and develop in your capabilities. This is done in a calm environment so that you can focus well on what the exercises have to offer.
You can join an existing group if your level is similar or you can form a new group with some people you know.
Finding Equilibrium: A lifelong skill
To learn to ride a bike we have to learn about our bodies to find balance. We learn not to grip the handlebars too much with our hands and keep our feet in contact with the pedals. As our awareness improves, we learn how to lean to the left and right to help turning. Soon riding a bike becomes easy and enjoyable as our initial tension and tightness goes away. Learning to relax on the bike allows us to be ready for the challenges and obstacles that come along. Our skill of adjusting to a finer and finer extent develops as our ability to find equilibrium and joy grows.