John Howard

Getting The Pilate Started

A keen fitness fanatic is looking to change the perceptions of exercise by offering something inclusive to all.

Jennifer Woolridge is a student of the art of Pilates. The physical fitness system, first developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, after whom it was named, is practiced worldwide, especially in Western countries such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. As of 2005, it is estimated that 11 million people, ranging from new mums to Premier League footballers, practice the discipline regularly and there are 14,000 instructors in the United States alone.

From pupil to teacher, Jennifer earned her Level 3 certificate in June of 2018 and officially began preaching the art in early November of the same year.

While many still consider physical fitness as an unbearable chore that restores the human form to some sort of normality following a heavy Christmas period, or something only the sporting elite really get something out of, the 34-year-old wants to share a passion she is mastering for the wellbeing of others, as she explains.

“I've always been in to Pilates and yoga and I have practiced it on and off for years,” said Jennifer. “But when I moved to Toronto three years ago I went to a lot of great Pilates and yoga studios which were different to ones I had been to before.

“They weren't your classical studios; firstly the movement they were teaching were combined movements, with Pilates, yoga, cardio and dance elements all intertwined. They studio spaces had so much character and were lovely places to be in. The classes were done to great music playlists, you were buying in to the whole package. I think what struck me most about the studios is the real sense of community they had in them.

“I started working at a place called Muse Movement,” she continued. “I worked there one evening a week on the front desk in exchange for unlimited classes. Eventually I was there all the time and became really good friends with the owner, Keri O'Meara, who one day and told me I should do teaching as I would be a really good teacher.

“So I guess that stuck in my head and it went from there.”

And went from there it did! Now a Pilates’ teacher, Jennifer, who is a charity worker by profession, currently runs two group classes - one for a studio and one independently. More bespoke, private classes, where the programme is specifically built for the client are also on offer and have proved popular with members suffering from serious physical ailments.

So who can improve their wellbeing with Pilates and what will the benefits be? Over to you Jennifer.

“Pilates can help lengthen and strengthen the body and mind,” she said. “You can lose weight, become more body aware and really understand the fundamentals of Pilates. The precision, flow, and correct alignments of your body including pelvic placement. Overall you are getting movement in your body, which encourages space, strength and stability.

“I fundamentally believe that everyone should be exercising regularly. But you need to find what you enjoy. I spent years going to the gym and hated it but found my flow with Pilates and yoga. I fell into Pilates originally as my osteopath recommended it to strengthen my core when I had a herniated disc over 10 years ago. The regular movement and practice started helping and these days I very rarely have to go to see an osteopath or specialist.

“At the studio I teach at on Saturday mornings most people are in their 30s, 40s and 50s but the class I have started teaching on a Sunday is mainly people my age and younger. Essentially it is a real mix and I get enquiries from people who are real beginners asking me if this is right for them and my answer is yes!

“Pilates can be for anyone and I can make it even more relevant to you by providing options and/or modifications.”

For further information contact Jennifer via email at woolridge.jennifer@gmail.com, or alternatively like her page on Facebook.