Sandie Wilson Personal Pilates Marylebone London

THE PILATES METHOD:

The Pilates method is a unique, holistic approach to exercise which embraces the principles and fundamentals depicted by Joseph Pilates. German born Pilates initially began to devise the method for the rehabilitation of hospital patients whilst interned on the Isle of Man, during the war. In the early 1920's he moved to New York and began to expand his discoveries whilst working alongside leading dance practitioners Martha Graham and George Balanchine, thus the technique was formerly associated with, and practised by, dance professionals. Today, however, the technique is widely recognised as a methodology suited to people from all walks of life.

Pilates is a method currently recommended by osteopaths, physiotherapists, surgeons and other health practitioners. The main goal is to develop body awareness and correct postural alignment via the utilisation of specifically devised exercises. The focus is on achieving core strength in order to promote an equal use of all of the many muscle groups. Thus, Pilates helps to increase and create a balance between strength and flexibility whilst achieving core stability. Regular classes in the method help to improve posture, co-ordination and can release stress and help to promote general well being.

The method is beneficial to many people and is not only a tool for general fitness but also suited to injury prevention, remedial and rehabilitation work, ante and post natal exercise, specific post operative and congenital conditions such as Osteoporosis, and for technical improvement of dancers, athletes and actors.

Whilst initially based on mat work, the method now uses specifically designed equipment which adopts the use of resistant springs. This facilitates the ability to work in a manner that is non weight bearing on the joints and also to maximise the potential challenge of the more advanced students.

Who we are:

Director: Sandie Wilson BA(Hons) PGDip Dance Theatre Studies

Sandie graduated from the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance in 1982. Since then she has worked extensively as a professional dancer, choreographer, teacher and lecturer. Her interest in the pursuit of excellence in performance led her to study with many leading dance practitioners and to train in various release based techniques. She was granted many awards and scholarships from funding bodies such as Equity Trust Fund, the Lisa Ullman Trust, the Scottish Arts Council and the University of Washington in order to pursue post graduate studies in Surrey, London, New York, Amsterdam and Seattle.
 
She initially trained as a Pilates Instructor with Alan Herdman following her interest in floor Barre work which she encountered in New York. After teaching in various studios and leading matwork classes, she decided to focus on the one to one aspect of Pilates and opened her own private studio in 1998. Since then she has taught the method extensively, creating her own approach to the method by drawing on influences from her dance experience. An ongoing fascination with three dimensional movement and energy patterns then led very naturally to her incorporating the use of the GYROTONIC® Pulley System into her studio. Her Master trainer in this method is Michelle Cross and her competence in the method is regulated by Julio Horvath.

As a committed professional, Sandie collaborates with leading osteopaths, physiotherapsits and other health professionals taking an interest in nutrition and all aspects of health. She is a member of Equity and the Pilates Foundation UK Ltd

What to expect:

The first session will include an in depth postural analysis and will require the client to allow 75 minutes for this procedure. Any past medical history and contact details for existing and previous consultations with other health practitioners including osteopaths, physiotherapists, surgeons and the like should be submitted at this time.

It is important for us to be able to see your body so that we can gain a clear picture of your postural habits. Please wear what you find most comfortable. This can range from a leotard and tights to sports top and leggings, track suit bottoms or cycle shorts. You do not require any footwear apart from socks.

Opening Times:

• Monday to Thursday 7am to 8pm
• Friday from 7am until 5pm
• Saturday from 9am until 5pm 

Each class is booked on an appointment basis and the duration of each session is one hour