Kaye Cowley - Fitness Pilates.
What is fitness pilates?
It’s an exercise regime which aims to strengthen the body, with particular emphasis on core strength, posture and balance. Basically it helps improve general fitness and wellbeing. Fitness Pilates can be done as part of a personal training programme but it’s more fun to do it in a class with music. It’s a little more energised than regular Pilates and is a great way to stretch and sculpt the muscles whilst burning fat.
How does the class work?
It lasts three quarters of an hour and we do a warm up to get us all started, then it’s a series of moves on a mat, some are more challenging than others but people can opt in and out depending on their age and ability. We use balls and weights to help increase the intensity of the workout. Then it’s a wind down and we all pack up and head off for a coffee and a chat (we upgrade to a glass of wine on a Friday!)
Why is it important to attend a class like this?
It helps us all to stay fit, toned and flexible whether that’s a mum who’s just had a baby, a young person who wants to stay in shape, someone recovering from an operation or older people who want to keep mobile. We don’t tend to think about our core strength but doing these exercises now will help prevent future injuries, aches and pains. Strengthening balance can also stop older people falling over as much.
How long have you been running the sessions?
I’ve just started here in Kingswear, I’ve been going 10 weeks and have a fabulous turnout.
Where and when are the classes?
Kingswear Village Hall each Monday morning and Friday afternoon.
Can anyone come?
Yes, any age or ability. I have about 15 attending at the moment and that’s men and women.
How much is it?
£56 for eight classes (£7 a class) or £8 for a single session.
What do you hope everyone goes away feeling?
Happy and rejuvenated! Unlike normal Pilates this is supposed to be more like a workout so I want them to feel like they have broken a sweat even if it’s just a bead or two!
Do you do other classes?
Not here, but in Bristol. That’s where I have been based until recently but now I spend most of my time in Kingswear. I do personal training, step, dance and aerobics. I’ve also been doing stroke rehabilitation for the past five years.
How long have you been doing this kind of thing?
32 years.
What else do you do to keep fit?
I enjoy golfing and sailing holidays. I used to play county squash in Bristol years ago but not anymore! My husband and I have a sailing boat on the Dart and our favourite sailing spots are Brittany and the Isles of Scilly.
What are your ambitions for 2019?
Well I keep saying I’m going to retire but now I’ve come down here and started these classes I think I may keep going for a couple more years!
Favourite restaurant…
The Royal Dart Yacht Club. You can sit outside in the summer and enjoy the view with fabulous food.
Guilty pleasure…
A glass of wine.
What would you say to people considering fitness Pilates?
As well as all the health benefits I’ve talked about, the classes also help relieve stress and tension. We all seem to be so busy these days with work, children and other hobbies it’s important to allow an hour every now and again to focus on ourselves. It’s a good investment for the future.
First published in By The Dart magazine March 2019
