If you grew up in the 90s like me, you might have seen these things a fair bit in a "fitness" context Teeny tiny little small hands weights, often pink or purple, quite likely in the hands of a thin, ponytailed woman smiling beatifically from the pages of a magazine, next to an article telling you that the secret of being "toned" (🙄) was to do a soul-destroyingly large number of repetitions of some simple exercise with these things every day. In recent years thank goodness, there's been a cultural move away from pushing women to only ever work out with tiny weights And an increasing understanding that lifting heavy and progressively increasing the load is really valuable for our overall health, and especially bone density as we get older But! Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater here These cute little weights aren't going to make you especially strong by themselves (though they can be a good place to start sometimes!). But that's actually not their most useful purpose anyway They have their own job to do, in the world of movement Tiny weights can add juuuuust a little bit of resistance to movements, just enough to give extra sensory feedback to your muscles and joints and nervous system And THIS is where the magic happens Physical feedback from tiny weights (or other kinds of light resistance) helps your body learn new motor skills faster, and helps YOU to feel and understand what your body is doing more deeply And those new skills will set you up to take on much bigger physical challenges with ease, later on - or help you feel more balanced, confident and at ease in the things you're already doing 💪🏋️♀️ #TinyWeights #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates
What happens when you give a Pilates instructor an assignment to make art (and to not be perfectionist about it)? This, apparently 🌀🩻🌱 I used to draw and paint a lot when I was young, but I haven't done any for years now. And doing this assignment, once I got past the initial "stickiness" of self doubt, I enjoyed myself a great deal ☺️ it felt sooo good to get into a flow state and just let loose with colours and ideas. And as you can see, the pelvis, hips and spine are always on my mind! Also, I'm excited that it's Spring, and life is bursting forth again 🌳 The tulips here were inspired by the beautiful little community garden by the railway arch on the crescent in Levenshulme, which I walk past and admire each week on the way to teach my Wednesday evening Pilates classes 🌷 ----- #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesArt #SkeletonArt #Pelvis #SpringFlower #TulipSeason #Hips #AnatomicalSkeleton #AnatomicalArt #DoodleDrawing #RecoveringPerfectionist #PilatesInstructor #PilatesInspiration
Black-and-white thinking that limits your options is out 🙅♀️ Infinite possibility for creative exploration is in ☺️ Pass it on! ---- PS, are you interested in working with me one-to-one on your movement & fitness goals? I'll be sending a very special secret offer to my email list later today... Make sure you're signed up to get the details (link in my stories 😉) #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesThoughts #PilatesInstructors #PilatesTeacher #ManchesterPilates #Levenshulme #PilatesMindset
Levenshulme Pilates: who's behind it? Hello! It's me 😁👋 My name's Rachael, I'm a Pilates mat instructor since 2022, and a movement nerd for many years before that. Some other random facts about me... I'm 6ft1, I have a masters degree in physics, my favourite colour is green, I'm Autistic (and I suspect also ADHD), I have a very lazy greyhound called Basil, and I also work as a professional bellydancer 💃 When it comes to Pilates, I'm all about... Building your SKILL as well as your fitness Making movement as accessible as I can for everyone Adapting to your body and learning style Getting the exercises to FEEL good as well as DOING you good Having fun - because what's the point of "rolling like a ball" if you can't also laugh at yourself rolling around like a ball? And making Pilates practice just one part of a well-rounded lifestyle (I love it, but I'm never going to claim it's the answer to absolutely everything!) If you'd like to move with me - check my story highlights and my website for full class listings (mostly in Levenshulme, but also in Burnage, Beswick, and online!), or feel free to DM me if that's all a bit bewildering, and I'll be happy to help ☺️ #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #ManchesterPilates #PilatesTeacher
Finding balance: it's at the heart of what we do in Pilates. Not just in obviously challenging shapes like this one, but in every movement. Feeling where weight rests in your body; noticing how one part has to shift or grow heavier in order for another to move freely. Becoming aware of how your upper body balances your lower body, of how your arms balance your legs, of how each side balances the other. Finding balance in all these interesting shapes on the mat comes through into feeling balanced, poised, and confident as you move in your day to day life, too 💪 ----- Try Pilates with me: 💻 Online on Tuesday evenings at 6pm 🧘♀️ At MEA Central school in Levenshulme on Wednesday evenings at 6pm ❤️ Plus a range of affordable community classes around South Manchester, see my website for full listings #LevenshulmePilates #WhatsOnLevenshulme #PilatesTeacher #PilatesLevenshulme #ManchesterPilates #PilatesInstructors #PilatesTeaser
Standing exercises! Most Pilates mat work takes place down on the floor - lying, sitting, kneeling, or on all fours. But I always make sure to include standing exercises too, to help bring the work we do in class into the movements of daily life. Standing exercises can also be great for challenging your balance, making you more confident and steady on your feet in all kinds of situations 🧍♀️ ----- Photo from one of my Wednesday evening 6pm classes at MEA Central School, Levenshulme A few drop-in places are still available for the current block of these classes, and I'll be announcing dates for the next block soon ☺️ ----- #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #BurnagePilates #Levenshulme #Burnage #ManchesterPilates
Am I late posting about this? Yes, I absolutely am. But, I've had loads of requests for weekday evening classes - and now I've finally made it happen! From tomorrow evening, I'm teaching a new Pilates class on Wednesday evenings in Levenshulme Come and wind down after your day, relax and re-energise your body, and build mobility, strength, and resilience to support you in an active life From 6-7pm, in the drama studio at MEA Central school Address: Lytham Road, Manchester M14 6PL Booking info: £54 for the block of six weeks booked in advance, or £11 per single class (block bookings available until tomorrow morning!) Bring your own mat, and optionally, a small towel #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #Levenshulme #Burnage #ManchesterPilates #MatPilatesClass
I was actually a little bit nervous about starting to teach Pilates online this year - but I've had overwhelmingly positive feedback so far! And I'll definitely be continuing my Tuesday night Zoom sessions in the new year ☺️ Here's just one of the lovely comments I've received so far, from Larissa... "I have been doing Pilates for the first time and loving Rachel's online classes. Rachel is an amazing teacher. Everything is done gently but with challenging options and adaptations for specific mobility issues. It's brilliant for building core strength." If you'd like to join us in January and add some lovely nourishing movement to your Tuesday evenings, bookings are now open - we start from the 8th of Jan! ----- #PilatesClasses #OnlinePilates #OnlinePilatesClasses #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #ZoomPilatesClass #ZoomPilates #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructors
Story time! Most Thursday mornings I do garden volunteering at @stationsouth with @themancforager , it's become an important part of my weekly routine to get out of my little self employed bubble & spend some nice time outdoors... Anyway, this week it has been too cold & frosty for gardening outside ❄️❄️❄️ so we were in the café instead, making decorations for the Station South Christmas tree. Kell's plan was that we'd make origami stars from recycled gardening magazines... Except that they turned out to be REALLY tricky to make, and we all found the online instructions pretty confusing! I'm stubborn as anything though 😁 so I kept at it, and after a few horribly mangled attempts that came out as sad squashed little balls of paper, I eventually got it to work... I think it took me about an hour to make the first one 🫢 and at one point I thought maybe the instructions were just totally wrong & impossible to follow. But then the second star was quicker... And the third one only took five minutes 🌟😊 What does this have to do with Pilates? Well, learning new skills, be that origami, or a new coordination exercise, or a change to your posture, takes time! And it can feel pretty frustrating sometimes. But once it "clicks", you'll have it! It might take a few goes, but you'll get there - and once you do, you'll have those neural pathways to do it again the next time! So don't feel discouraged if sometimes a Pilates movement seems bewildering the first time you try it - this is a totally normal part of learning, but fortunately it'll pass with a little practice and persistence ☺️ ----- #PilatesTeacher #LevenshulmePilates #StationSouth #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesInstructorHavingFun #PilatesInstructors #Levenshulme #LearningProcess
You're not too inflexible You're not too uncoordinated You're not too unfit You're not too awkward You're not too big You're not too shy You're not too slow at learning You're not too old You're not too ANYTHING to start doing Pilates. My job as your Pilates instructor is to give you what YOU need for your unique body, just as you are. Not to measure you against some arbitrary stereotype of "what people who do Pilates look like" And if you work with me 1:1, we start by taking a totally nonjudgmental look at where you are right now with your strength, mobility and coordination, have a chat about what you'd most love to achieve by doing Pilates, and then take things gently from there. We may start slow if you're new to this kind of exercise, but within a few sessions you'll be surprised by what you're capable of! PS, I'm now offering 1:1 sessions online, as well as at my home studio in Levenshulme - so now even if you're not a Manchester local, you can still work with me to move & feel better ☺️ #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #Levenshulme #PilatesForAll #BodyNeutrality #BodyNeutralPilates #PilatesForBeginners #OneToOnePilates #PilatesInstructors #PilatesTeachers
"It's fun to do and it makes me feel good" is 💯 as legitimate a reason to exercise as any! You don't have to justify yourself. You don't necessarily have to have any specific fitness goal (unless you want to and find that exciting!). And you certainly don't need to be trying to change your body shape. Movement can be just for you. To feel happy and comfortable in your skin, and able to do the things you want to. To relax and forget your worries for a little. To reconnect to your body after a hectic day. Would you like to move with me? Message me for more info about 1:1 Pilates, or all my group Pilates classes (in Manchester & online) are in my story highlights 😊 ----- #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #ManchesterPilates #MovementInstructor #LevenshulmeFitness #Levenshulme #Burnage #BurnagePilates #SelfCareIdeas #PilatesForSelfCare #LovePilates
Your joints need movement to stay healthy - and yes that includes all of the joints in your spine! If you're holding yourself in the same position all day, and never letting your back bend, flex and move - yep it's going to feel stiff, and be less resilient to injury This is where Pilates comes into its own... In Pilates classes, we get every part of your back gently moving in all the directions it needs to: 🐍 Flexing forward and extending backward 🐍 Bending from side to side 🐍 Twisting like a spiral staircase 🌀 🐍 Rippling like a wave 🌊 ... And all kinds of combinations to keep your back strong and supple like a snake, instead of feeling rigid, stiff and fragile. Want to give it a try? My in-person Pilates classes are on Monday afternoons in Burnage, Tuesday mornings in Beswick (for local Beswick residents - DM me for info), and Friday mornings in Levenshulme. Full info in my story highlights ☺️ I also have an online class on Tuesday evenings, with a few drop-in places available each week. And I'm available for 1:1 sessions in Levenshulme! #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesThoughts #PilatesLevenshulme #BurnagePilates #BeswickPilates #Levenshulme #Burnage #PilatesManchester #PilatesForSpineHealth #PilatesTeacher #PilatesUK
Unpopular Pilates teacher opinion: I'd be happy if I never heard the word "toning" again 🤷♀️ Why? 1, it's an idea that's purely about how your body looks, and meeting a certain beauty standard - but what I do as a Pilates instructor is all about you FEELING better and MOVING better! Because moving with energy and freedom, and feeling good, will do SO much more for your relationship with your body than just trying to change what you see in the mirror. 2, in physical terms it's a fairly meaningless term anyway (and far too often in the fitness industry it's just a euphemism for trying to imply that things will somehow magically make you thin, without saying it outright). If you want to get stronger, or build muscle, great - say that instead! 3. Telling us we should want to be "toned" ties in with the messed up idea that women shouldn't want to be strong. A strong woman can make insecure people feel threatened, but a "toned" woman is safe and nonthreatening. Well I don't know about you, but I'm not here to make myself small and nonthreatening for other people's comfort. So let's work on mobility, strength & balance, to move through life with ease and confidence. And leave the whole concept of "toning" in the dustbin of history where it belongs 🗑️ #PilatesThoughts #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #ManchesterPilates #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructors #ToningWorkout #MuscleToning #UnpopularOpinions #BodyNeutralPilates #BodyNeutrality
Seriously. I see many jokes & memes from my fellow millennials about how we all have back pain now that we're in our 30s. As if that's just what happens to human bodies at a certain (depressingly early) point. But it really really does not have to be that way. Reaching a certain age doesn't mean you're just doomed to back pain and stiff joints now. Unless there's an underlying medical condition or injury causing you pain, it's really not normal or inevitable to have aches and pains all the time (And even if you do, there's almost certainly plenty of room for improvement) Give your body the movement it needs, build yourself movement patterns that are safe & efficient for your joints, and it's fully possible to feel as good (or better!) in your 30s as you did in your teens or 20s. And better still, taking care of your joints and your spine with quality movement NOW, will also help to keep your body moving well & feeling good for all the years to come. ----- #PilatesThoughts #PilatesInstructors #MillennialProblems #AdultingThoughts #BackPainRelief #AchesAndPains #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #ManchesterPilates #LookAfterYourBody
This is important! I'm aware that I fit the "Pilates stereotype" in many ways: I'm thin, I'm white, I'm able-bodied, and I have a background in dance (though in bellydance not ballet 😉). And I do sometimes worry that this could put people off of joining my classes, who don't fit the stereotype & so aren't sure they'll feel welcome. BUT, I want you to know that you absolutely do not need to look anything like me, or be shaped anything like me, or fit into any of the same demographic categories as me, to practice and benefit from Pilates. This system of movement was designed to help ALL HUMANS live fuller lives. Not just the ones who happen to have been most associated with it in the public consciousness It's flexible and adaptable to each person's needs. And, it's about teaching your body to move with more efficiency & freedom, and building your strength and skill... NOT about trying to look a certain way. Our bodies are diverse and wonderful, and all of them need to be nourished with movement ❤️ whatever your body type, and whoever you are; Pilates is for you. #PilatesThoughts #PilatesInstructors #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #BodyNeutrality #BodyAcceptance #BodyNeutralPilates #ManchesterPilates #RejectDietCulture
Ever ended up just collapsed on the sofa feeling rubbish, even though you KNOW you would feel better for moving? I know I have... Maybe you can't find the energy to do the exercise session you'd planned to do, or can't face going out for a run in the wind and rain - or, maybe you're just feeling generally tired and grotty. At these times it helps to remember: ANY movement benefits your body, compared to not moving. ANY movement will help you to feel better than just sitting still. It isn't all or nothing. It doesn't have to be perfect. Just something that feels manageable to you right now, with whatever's going on for you physically & mentally. A quick walk around the nearest park (in your raincoat and wellies if need be!), or even just around the block Standing up and doing a few stretches Ten minutes of whichever Pilates exercises feel most appealing or fun to you right now Will any of those things get you super fit and strong by themselves? No But, they will make you feel SO MUCH better in yourself, pretty much immediately. And they will move the needle in the right direction, towards meeting your body's movement needs. Over time, it all adds up. #PilatesThoughts #PilatesInstructors #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #ItsNotAllOrNothing #MovementBreak #LittleThingsAddUp #ManchesterPilates
Why do I post a load of stuff about walks and gardening in my stories, on my Pilates Instagram account? Because Pilates is about wellbeing in mind and body. Being outdoors in nature is just as vital for our wellbeing as movement & exercise 🌳 Our bodies need it, and our minds need it ☁️ And, Pilates was never about just the exercises by themselves 🏋️♀️ Joseph Pilates himself advocated for the importance of rest and relaxation, good sleep, and plenty of time outside in the fresh air (preferably in your shorts...! 🩳) as well as his system of exercises - he recognised that moving well is just one element of what we need to thrive as human beings. MOVE WITH ME IN NATURE 🌱 If you're feeling inspired to combine Pilates with relaxing outdoors time... Why not come along to @marburyroad_ediblegarden in Heaton Chapel this Saturday morning? I'll be teaching a FREE gentle Pilates session there from 11am, and they've got loads of other lovely outdoor family & gardening activities planned too. All you need to bring to join in is your own exercise mat (or if you don't have one, an old towel or picnic blanket will do the job!) #Levenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #OutdoorPilates #WellbeingWisdom #ManchesterPilates #PilatesLevenshulme #HeatonChapel
A common misunderstanding about Pilates from athletes: that because it's not pushing your body to its physical limits, it isn't "serious" exercise, or isn't relevant. In fact, seriously strong and fit people are often surprised to find that Pilates is really challenging! Not because of the loads placed on the body, but because of the level of control, awareness, and mobility it's designed to develop. And these are exactly the movement skills that will help to boost your performance and reduce your injury risk, when you go out and test the limits of what you're capable of 💪 (Image text reads: "Pilates isn't hard like running a marathon is... ...Instead it's challenging like learning a new musical instrument is. But it'll make running marathons safer & easier, if that's your thing!") ----- #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #ManchesterPilates #MoreThanAWorkout #PilatesMyths #PilatesThoughts #PilatesForAthletes #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructor
Pilates: yes it IS wonderful for activating & strengthening your core muscles, but it's not just a "core workout"... It's so much more than that! (And in my opinion, much more enjoyable 😉) It's a system for... Connecting your mind and body in new ways Getting all your muscles and joints to work together in harmony Integrating breath and movement Building your balance and control Moving with grace, confidence, and ease ----- #PilatesThoughts #PilatesTeacher #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #ManchesterPilates
Pilates is... Too hard? ❌ Too easy? ❌ Super flexible and adaptable ✅ The joy and the challenge of teaching Pilates is adjusting exercises to be at exactly the right level for each class or client. Wherever you're at right now with your fitness and confidence. We always aim to be in what I think of as your "satisfying challenge zone" - not so easy it's boring, and not so hard it's frustrating, but just right to find a feeling of deep focus & accomplishment 😌💪 ----- #PilatesMyths #PilatesThoughts #PilatesInstructors #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #ManchesterPilates #PilatesManchester #FeelAccomplished #ChallengeYourself
What I love about Pilates is it gives you a really solid foundation for absolutely anything else you want to do 🏋️♀️ The alignment to let your body absorb forces safely and comfortably The efficiency of movement to make things no more difficult than they need to be The balance to move with confidence and poise, and without fear of falling The joint stability to move without tendons and ligaments getting pulled into places they weren't meant to go (ouch...) The full, refreshing breath to give you energy through even the most challenging tasks The coordination and body awareness to be learn new movements quickly ...Whatever you're using your body for, Pilates can give you the solid foundation you need to do it well and with ease, for the long term 😊 #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesManchester #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructor #PostureAlignment #MovementInstructor #MoveWell #Levenshulme
Since I have quite a few new followers, it's reintroduction time! Hello, I'm Rachael 👋 and I teach Pilates matwork here in South Manchester, and soon, also on Zoom! I started training as a Pilates teacher back in 2021, as part of my plan to escape my 9-5 job in the software industry for something more fulfilling, and I qualified last year with @polestarpilatesuk As you might be able to guess from my background in software QA and physics, I like to understand HOW things work, WHY they work, and how to get them working as well as possible ⚛️ But these days instead of ironing out bugs in websites, I have the much more satisfying job of troubleshooting & optimising your body's movement patterns, so that you can do stuff better and enjoy life more 🤓 I'm also a dancer and dance teacher (which is now the other half of my new self-employed life! @rachaelborek ), which has given me years of experience in teaching movement effectively - and making it fun! And finally, I am proudly Autistic, & passionate about making Pilates welcoming and accessible for humans with all kinds of neurodivergent brains 🌈♾️ At the moment when I'm not doing Pilates or dancing, you'll find me... 🐾 Hanging out with my partner and our very lazy ex-racing greyhound Basil 🌱 Gardening with more enthusiasm than competence at @stationsouth volunteer sessions (join us Thursday mornings 10-12!) 🏋️♀️ lifting heavy objects 🎶 Dabbling in various musical instruments 🏃 Running with @levenshulmerunners (though not this week, because I've bashed my toes on a doorstop 😬) So that's me... How about you? Feel free to say hi 👋 in the comments, especially if you're new here! #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesInstructor #PilatesTeacher #PolestarPilatesInstructor #PolestarPilatesUK #Levenshulme #ManchesterPilates #IntroduceYourself #AutisticFitnessProfessionals #AutisticPride #AutisticPilatesInstructor #NeuroSpicy #NeurodiversePilates #NeurodiverseSquad
Pilates 1:1s can be a fantastic option if... - you've got a specific fitness/sport/movement/health goal that you'd like support in working towards - you want to really get the most out of every exercise, with detailed attention to your technique and alignment - you want to learn at your own pace, in your own way - you learn best by asking questions and understanding WHY we do things the way we do If this sounds like you... You're very welcome to message me for more details about booking 1:1 sessions 😊 (or you can find the essential details on my website, of course!) ---- #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #OneToOnePilates #PrivateLessons #Pilates121 #ManchesterPilates #PilatesInstructor #PilatesTeacher
My Pilates classes at @levinspire have finished for the summer now, & I've got that Friday feeling - but to answer a few questions you've been asking... 🌞 Yes the classes absolutely will be back - definitely in September, and possibly even a little sooner 🌞 And yes, I'm still available for 1:1 Pilates sessions over the summer break If you're hoping to join a class in September, make sure to keep an eye out for the Pilates survey which I'll be sending out soon (both here, and on my email list) 😊 This will be your chance to let me know what classes you'd like to see in future! #LevenshulmePilates #Levenshulme #PilatesManchester #LevenshulmeInspire #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesTeacher #ManchesterPilates
Hip joints are pretty cool! They move forwards and back, inward and outward, round and round... And to walk & run with ease and comfort, we need them to be strong and mobile in all those directions. Living in a culture where we often have to sit in chairs a lot, and don't usually get to do a lot of walking and climbing on varied terrain day to day, we tend to under-use some of these movements and lose the ability to move well in some directions. What happens then? Walking, standing, and running can all become much harder work than they need to be, and more likely to be painful or gradually cause injuries. Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing some of my favourite simple Pilates exercises for improving your hip mobility again - ones that are safe and accessible for most people, and which I often use in my open level / beginner level classes 😊 If that sounds interesting, make sure you're following me @pilateslevenshulme ! #PilatesThoughts #PilatesManchester #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructor #BackPainRelief #HipMobility #LowerBackPain #HipFlexors #MovementInstructor #PilatesForRunners #HipJoint
One of my favourite concepts from my pilates mat training with @polestarpilatesuk was "creating positive experiences of movement". This especially applies in the context of injury rehabilitation, but I think we should take a broader view of it as well! If you've had negative experiences with movement or if you've developed a kind of fear and hesitance around movement for ANY reason, whether that's injury or pain, or whether it's having unpleasant experiences in another way, then my very first job as your Pilates instructor is to create the opposite: To create a positive, safe experience so that you can start to feel good about moving again. This is the first step to building a movement practice that will support you and your body well. One that you'll feel empowered by, and excited to continue for the long term! #PilatesThoughts #PilatesManchester #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructor #BackPainRelief #LowerBackPain #HipFlexors #MovementInstructor #PolestarPilatesInstructor
I missed Autistic pride day this year (it's the 18th of June) But I still wanted to say a bit about why I'm proud to be an Autistic Pilates instructor, and why I think my neurotype is a strength in my field of work 🧠 First... Having a different brain type to the majority of people means I've had to get comfortable with the idea that every single person will be different from me in how they think, learn and process things. And, that I'll have to learn what makes each person tick, and what teaching methods work for them, without ever being able to assume they'll react to anything the same way I do. That makes me very flexible and curious as an instructor, for clients with all kinds of brains, in a way that I think is probably a lot harder to develop for teachers who are part of the neurological majority. Second... Exercise classes can be especially daunting for Autistic and other neurodivergent folk, for a LOT of reasons. But we still need to move and take care of our bodies. So I think it's massively important that we see ourselves represented in the fitness/exercise/wellness world. To be able to feel that this is for us, & we belong in these activities. Third... Every Autistic person is unique, so this is personal to me... But for me I find that a lot of the exact same traits that make me different from the norm (and arguably "weird") are ones that help me in my work of helping people to move well. I notice tiny details. I remember obscure facts. I want to know WHY things happen and how they work. I focus INTENSELY on things I'm interested in. And in my opinion these are all very good qualities to have in your Pilates teacher, if you want detailed, effective, and individually tailored lessons 😊 So, happy belated Autistic pride day, from a proudly Autistic Pilates instructor! ♾️ #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #AutisticPilatesInstructor #AutisticPride #NeurodivergentPilates #NeurodiversePilates #NeurodiverseSquad #NeuroSpicy #AutisticFitnessProfessionals #AutisticAdults #Neurodivergent #ManchesterPilates #PilatesManchester #PilatesInstructor
It may come as a surprise to learn that lower back pain isn't always (just) about your back! If your hip flexors (the muscles that bring your legs towards your body) have become short and tense, for example because you have to sit down a lot at work, it can mean that you end up unconsciously compensating by arching your lower back when you need to move your legs away from your body... For example, when you stand, walk, or run 🏃♀️ This isn't a job your spine is built to do, and being out of its natural position and taking all that load that your hips ought to be carrying can lead to pain and soreness (& risk of injuries in the longer term). So how do we make things better? By gradually improving your hip mobility, so that your hips can do their jobs well, and leave your spine to just do the bits it's actually good at 😉 Pilates exercises are great for this. We've got a lovely repertoire of moves to awaken the muscles around your hips, relax and re-balance your hip flexors (the ones that get tight from sitting), and strengthen your hip extensors (the ones that send your legs backwards, and therefore if you're walking/running, send YOU forwards powerfully - but often become weak and unhelpful if our hip flexors are tight). As your hips move more freely again, you'll soon notice you stand, walk, and run with more ease and grace... And your lower back will thank you for it! #PilatesThoughts #PilatesManchester #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructor #BackPainRelief #HipMobility #LowerBackPain #HipFlexors #MovementInstructor #PilatesForRunners
Let's talk about your shoulders! Do your shoulders move smoothly in all of the ways that you need them to? Or do they have tight or sore or pinchy places where they just don't like to go? Can they take the weight of your body when you need them to? Can they help you climb and crawl and lift things, and catch you if you fall? --- Shoulders have so many jobs to do. And they have a beautiful, complex design so that they can move in many directions! Your shoulder is actually not just one joint but several, involving three different bones (your collarbone / clavicle, shoulder blade / scapula, and upper arm bone / humerus), and many many muscles and ligaments to move and stabilise them. When all of these muscles work together in harmony, they give your arms incredible freedom to reach all around you. But because the system is so complicated, it's also prone to getting a bit out of whack. Muscle imbalances and movement habits we pick up over time can easily lead to restricted mobility, instability, and pain. In Pilates we have lots of exercises that can help to get your shoulders moving more happily again, whatever your current level of strength and mobility... From gentle arm movements to reconnect your awareness in this part of the body, to weight-bearing exercises with various arm positions and levels of load to gradually retrain and improve your shoulder stability - all the way up to challenging movements like the twist and the sidebend which use your shoulder mobility WHILST supporting the weight of your body 💪 --- This is just one of the things I can help you with in my group and 1:1 Pilates sessions in South Manchester - DM to find out more ☺️ #ShoulderMobility #ShoulderMobilityExercise #PilatesShoulderStability #ShoulderStability #PilatesManchester #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesInstructor #PilatesTeacher #ManchesterPilates #ShoulderGirdle #NeurodivergentPilates #NeurodiversePilates
Had my little bike repaired today (thanks @bikestationmcr 😊) so I've got bicycle maintenance on the brain 🚲 I confess I'm not the best bike owner. I sometimes leave it much too long to do things like oil the chain and check the cable tensions on my poor little two-wheeled steed... Which means I'm also very familiar with the feeling of getting on a bike that's just been properly serviced, and thinking "wow this is amazing, everything feels so smooth and effortless now!" It's easy not to notice when things get gradually more and more difficult and creaky... Until you experience something different again and feel the difference 😯 And it can be like that with bodies too. We put little aches and pains, and things getting harder than they used to be, down to just getting older (like all the memes I see about getting back pain in your 30s...). Or maybe even start to doubt our own memories about how easy things used to be. But lots of those little niggles and pains and bits that go "clunk" are really just a sign that we've not got around to giving our bodies the TLC they need to keep on moving smoothly. And fortunately, it can get better again when we get back on top of our regular maintenance schedule! In particular, a good Pilates class can be the equivalent for our bodies of adjusting the brake cables, checking the tire pressures, and oiling the creaky bits 😉 ---- If you want to find out what I'm talking about, why not join one of my remaining Friday afternoon classes at the Levenshulme Inspire Centre, on the 16th and 30th of June (your first one is free!) Or drop me a message for more info on 1:1 Pilates sessions, tailored to your needs ☺️ #PilatesThoughts #PilatesLevenshulme #Levenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructor #LookAfterYourBody #MoveWell #ManchesterPilates #SelfCareTime #BackPainRelief
I wrote last week on my Pilates blog about how I finally learned to enjoy exercise again, after getting totally put off for ages by the miserable experience of school PE lessons! For me, discovering dance classes I felt comfortable in was the gateway to enjoying movement again, and it gave me the motivation to even consider exercise as an option! But it was Pilates which really empowered me to use physical exercise as a way to look after myself. As a Pilates instructor, I've learned from this experience, that it's important to make classes a really pleasant, low pressure environment - so that everyone can feel safe in trying new things, and having a go at physical challenges, even if you're pretty nervous about the whole thing or not super confident. Ultimately, classes exist for YOU. It's not like PE where you have to try and meet someone else's standards. It's something you can do to care for and nurture your body, on your own terms. And hopefully, you'll find that without any pressure, it's actually rather enjoyable ☺️ #PilatesThoughts #PilatesClasses #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructor #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #BeginnersPilates #StartingPilates #StartingExercise
This week's reading... 📚 I've been a fan of Katy Bowman @nutritiousmovement 's work for YEARS, and her writing on biomechanics and everyday natural movement has definitely informed my approach to teaching Pilates - and continues to inspire me! Her latest book "Rethink your position" is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to move better & feel better in daily life. There are simple exercises & stretches to do at home, and diagrams to help you understand how & why your body moves the way it does (and why some bits might be hurting at the moment). It's super accessible, and fun to read. Highly recommended 😁 From the introduction... "I want to get one big idea across to you with this book: The way your body works and feels is all tied up with how you move your body all day long, but you have a lot more choice than you probably know when it comes to how you move your body all day long, which means you have a lot more control over how you feel in your body and how your body works than you currently realize." My mission when I'm teaching Pilates is to help you achieve the same thing, too - to learn to move your body in ways that'll nourish it and keep it feeling good, all of the time - not just while you're in class 😉 #PilatesManchester #NutritiousMovement #KatyBowman #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesInstructor #WhatImReading #BookRecommendation #MovementInstructor #MovementBooks #MoveWell #PilatesInspiration
Some experiences of my classes, shared recently in the Levy Runners Facebook group 😊 If you want to give my Pilates classes at @levinspire a try before I finish for the summer holidays, you've got just a few more weeks... Friday classes are at 2pm on the 9th, 16th and 30th of June. Link in bio to book 🗓️ If it's your first time, join my email list to sign up for your first class for free! --- Waiting for evening, weekend, or online classes? Watch this space! All-new class timetable will be coming soon... #Levenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesManchester #PilatesLevenshulme #WhatsOnLevenshulme #PilatesTeacher #PilatesForRunners
Pilates lets me do more of what I love... Without injuring myself or ending up in pain! Even when I do slightly unwise things, like impulsively join my sister on a 16 mile hike in the Welsh hills, and do it in barefoot running shoes because I didn't think to pack my walking boots 😅 Thanks to my regular Pilates practice, my hips, knees and ankles are all pretty strong and mobile, which makes walking and running much easier on my joints and back. That means random adventures like this don't mess me up (like they would have done ten years ago) Whatever it is that you love doing, from gardening or playing a musical instrument, to aerial arts or running marathons... Practising Pilates can support your body to do it better, more easily, and with fewer aches and pains and niggling injuries 😌 Ready to try it? Check out my profile for details of classes (your first one is free!), or message me to find out about working with me 1:1 on your movement goals #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #ManchesterPilates #PilatesTeacher #BenefitsOfPilates #MoveWell #DoWhatYouLove #PilatesInstructor
How well do you know your skeleton? 🦴 I'm not talking about knowing all the names of bones (though personally I do like knowing the names, because I'm a nerd like that 🤓) But what I mean is, do you have a physical sense of where your bones are inside of your own body, and how they fit together and move? An embodied understanding of your own skeleton can be really helpful for improving your alignment, to move well & avoid injuries... And practicing Pilates is a wonderful way to develop awareness! ---- Are you ready to start a new movement adventure & get to know your body better? My open-level Pilates classes (suitable for beginners) are every Tuesday morning & Friday afternoon at Levenshulme Inspire Join my email list to try your first class for free ✉️❤️ #PilatesThoughts #TinySkeleton #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesTeacher #ManchesterPilates #PilatesInstructor #Levenshulme #AnatomicalSkeleton #BodyAwareness
"Rachael's Pilates classes ... have helped hugely with my posture, awareness of my body and what it can achieve!" Lovely feedback from Kerry who has been coming to my Tuesday morning classes since the start of the year 😊 Want to come and try one of my classes at @levinspire ? Your first one is free - message me for details ✉️ #Levenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #LevenshulmeInspire #Burnage #Longsight #ManchesterPilates #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesInstructor #ImprovePosture #BodyAwareness
"Rachael's attention to detail and descriptive way of communicating a movement and the best way to undertake it is excellent... I go away each week feeling the difference" Another review which has made my day today, from @tamzin_forster who has taken part in almost all of my Pilates classes since I first started teaching as an apprentice last year ☺️ Re: the second slide, I will add that I am by no means an expert in any medical condition, nor do I claim to be. But in my role as a Pilates instructor, I can help you to develop healthy whole-body movement patterns & build strength, in a way that can often complement the more specific treatment and advice of your doctor or physiotherapist. Interested in joining me for a Pilates session in Levenshulme? Message me for details of how you can try your first Pilates class at @levinspire for free ❤️ #Levenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesInstructor #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesManchester #Burnage #LovelyLevenshulme #PilatesClasses #ManchesterFitness #ManchesterFitnessClasses #SportsInjuryPrevention #SportsInjuryRehab #AttentionToDetail
"enthusiastic and encouraging... never judgemental" I love this feedback from one of my Tuesday morning Pilates regulars, because it's exactly what I aim to be like as a teacher 😊 I'm here to inspire you, encourage you, and make movement fun, relaxing, and stress-free for you (even when it's actually quite challenging 😉) Want to give it a go? Message me for details of how you can try your first Pilates class at the Levenshulme Inspire Centre for free ❤️ #Levenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesInstructor #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesManchester #Burnage #LovelyLevenshulme #PilatesClasses #ManchesterFitness #ManchesterFitnessClasses
I always feel better after practicing Pilates! Whether it's a gentle ten minutes on the mat to unwind after a day of business admin, or a full-on "let's practice all the 'fun' moves!" kind of a session... I come out of it feeling more relaxed and grounded in my body, more free and comfy in my movements, and filled with a little extra energy and bounciness. How about you? #PilatesInstructor #PilatesThoughts #PilatesPractice #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesManchester #ManchesterPilates #RelaxationTime #MindfulMovement
NEW PILATES CLASS 🌟 Good news - I'm adding a new Pilates class to my weekly schedule! From this week onwards, you can choose from... ⭐ Tuesday mornings at 9:30am ⭐ Friday afternoons at 2pm At @levinspire Both classes are open level, and suitable for beginners. And with 8 places available for each class in total, it's a small & friendly group with plenty of personal attention to help you get the most from each exercise. £10 per session - join my email list to get your first class for free! levenshulmepilates.uk --- #LevenshulmePilates #Levenshulme #PilatesLevenshulme #ManchesterPilates #PilatesManchester #PilatesClasses #ManchesterPilatesClasses #LevenshulmeInspire #WhatsOnLevenshulme #PilatesInstructor #PilatesTeacher
Are you a Levenshulme local looking for accessible, invigorating ways to get moving & take care of your body? I'm here to help with that ☺️ I completed my training as a Pilates instructor last year, and now I'm offering group classes and 1:1s right here in the heart of Levenshulme. Follow me to learn more about why I am so passionate about Pilates, and more importantly, how I can help you to feel better in your body & move through life with more comfort, joy and freedom 🧘🤸♀️🏃♂️ #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #Levenshulme #PilatesManchester #ManchesterPilates #PilatesInstructor #UKPilates #PolestarPilatesInstructor #WhatsOnLevenshulme
When it comes to exercises, more isn't always better. Despite what the mainstream fitness/diet industry might tell us sometimes! It's so ingrained in us that we should always be striving for More repetitions Keeping going for longer Pushing through when we're struggling Heavier resistance Harder variations ... And that taking it gently, or not pushing as hard as we can, means we'll benefit less from whatever we're doing. Well, in Pilates that's just not true. We're never aiming to push to the point of exhaustion, or do more reps just for the sake of it. Why is this? Because we're interested in QUALITY of movement, not quantity. The aim is to teach your body new, more efficient, ways of moving. And when you're fatigued, or pushing harder than your body is ready for, movement quality quickly goes out of the window. When we're tired, we tend to fall back into old habits, instead of practising the new ones that'll help us move better and feel better for the long term. This means pushing past the point where you're struggling can actually be really counterproductive. So this is your permission to be gentle with yourself. Focus on moving with skill and ease, and listen to your body when it tells you it's time to move on. ... Interested in trying Pilates with me? Have a look at my pinned post for details of my classes in Levenshulme ☺️ #PilatesInstructor #PilatesManchester #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #Levenshulme #PilatesThoughts #BetterNotMore #QualityOverQuantity #QualityOfMovement
If people only know one thing about Pilates, it's usually that they've heard it's meant to be good for back pain. And it has this reputation for a reason! But WHY does it help? Let's have a quick look at what these exercises do for your body... 🏃♀️ Hip mobility Not obviously related to back pain, you might think... But if your hips aren't moving freely, especially if the fronts of your hips have become tight from sitting down a lot, very often your lower back will end up arching instead to let you move your legs. When this happens, daily movements like walking and running can start to put pressure on your back. Pilates gets your hip joints moving through their full range again, so that your back doesn't have to take the strain any more. 🏃 Fluid spine movements Our spines have 23 movable joints between the vertebrae, but often our bodies get into the habit of only bending or flexing from one or two of them (usually in the lower back)! When this happens, the joint that's doing all the moving can get damaged, leading to pain. Pilates includes many smooth rolling and unrolling movements with the spine, which teach ALL of your vertebrae to move a little instead of making one or two of them do everything. This spreads out the load when you bend or reach, so that no joint is having to handle more than it safely can. 🏃♂️ Core control ... And by this we don't just mean "strong abs"! Nor does it mean being rigid and tense all the time. Pilates exercises are great for activating and strengthening all of the muscles which support your torso and spine. Not just the "abs" we're all familiar with, but deep core muscles, and all of the tiny little muscles around your spine which help to protect and stabilise it. As well as making these muscles stronger, Pilates also helps prepare them to "kick in" and provide support exactly when we need them - for example, when we make a sudden movement, or pick up something heavy. So you're less likely injure your back, or to aggravate an old injury. Have you tried (or considered) Pilates to help with back pain? Let me know in the comments 😊
Small group Pilates classes now available to book! These gentle Tuesday morning sessions are suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. With simple yet powerful exercises, chosen to leave you feeling relaxed & invigorated in body and mind 😌 Numbers are limited, so that I can give individual guidance & help you get the most out of each exercise. ✅ improve your coordination, body awareness, posture, and balance ✅ teach your body to move with greater ease, efficiency, and comfort ✅ develop all-round balanced strength and mobility, to support and complement other sports & fitness activities WHEN? Tuesday mornings at 9:30am, starting from the 17th of January WHERE? At the Levenshulme Inspire Centre HOW MUCH? £10 per class, with discounts available for block booking. Join my email list to get your first class free! (Link in bio) #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #Levenshulme #WhatsOnLevenshulme #SelfCareIdeas #ManchesterPilates #PilatesManchester #PilatesClasses #PilatesTeacher #PilatesInstructor
Why Pilates? Well, I could happily talk all day about this... But basically, Pilates is fantastic because all the exercises are specifically designed to get your body working at its best. Through Pilates we can learn to move more safely, efficiently, and comfortably in everything we do! Whether that's feeling better in everyday tasks like walking, gardening, and carrying shopping... Or, whether you're a serious athlete or dancer, making big demands of your body every day 🏋️♀️💃 If you're interested in Pilates here in Levenshulme, stay tuned for more info, and classes coming soon 😊 Rachael #WhyPilates #PilatesLevenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #ManchesterPilates
Something I appreciate about practising Pilates? The way it helps me to move freely & effortlessly through all kinds of positions in daily life. Like, having the mobility, strength, and balance to be able to pretend I'm a little frog 🐸 #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesInstructorInTraining #PilatesApprentice #MiddlewoodWay #LittleFrogs
Hello, and welcome to my new Instagram account! I'm Rachael, an apprentice Pilates instructor here in Levenshulme, South Manchester. I'm training with @polestarpilatesuk at the moment, and I'm due to sit my final qualifying exam this November... A few things about me - 🪴 Although I'm still currently quite new to teaching Pilates, I'm also a bellydance instructor with over a decade's experience (@rachaelborek) and finding effective ways to teach all kinds of people (especially adult beginners who think they are uncoordinated!) to move their bodies with confidence is a long-term passion for me 🪴 I live in Levenshulme, with my partner and our two ex-racing greyhounds 🐾 🪴 I'm Autistic, which means I may come across as a little awkward sometimes, but also means that deep knowledge and careful attention to detail is very much my style. And, Pilates is all about the subtle details... 🪴 As well as dance and Pilates, I enjoy running every Wednesday with @levenshulmerunners , and strength training 🏃♀️🏋️♀️ I'm looking forward to sharing more about my training, and the benefits of Pilates, with you here soon 😊 #Levenshulme #LevenshulmePilates #PilatesLevenshulme #PilatesInstructorInTraining #PilatesApprentice #PolestarPilatesUK #AutisticPilatesInstructor #AutisticFitnessProfessionals #NeurodiversePilates #NeurodiverseSquad