It is always great to feature guests on our blog pages, and today we extend our thanks to Vanessa McLachlan at Core Movement Pilates, based in Milford and helping clients in the Surrey / Hants borders, for her sharing her work.
How do you begin your fitness journey to a career?
My career in exercise began back in the early 1980’s, when everyone wore lycra and legwarmers! I first trained as an ‘exercise to music’ teacher and went on to be the Fitness Manager at Grayshott Hall Health Spa (as it was then known) where I trained celebrities and royalty, and people of all ages and abilities. I then ventured out on my own and worked in various village halls and health clubs around the area.
How did you get involved in Pilates?
It was in 2001 that I discovered Pilates. If I’m honest, I didn’t really get it at first. And then the penny dropped, and I was hooked. In 2003 I went on to train with Body Control Pilates and I haven’t looked back. My passion continues and I regularly attend courses and workshops, branching out and qualifying in the Franklin Method and Garuda for example, because I find the human body and movement fascinating.
To this present day, I continue to teach group Pilates mat work classes. In 2019, I opened up my private studio at home for 1-1 sessions using a reformer and other equipment. Things were going great, I was getting more and more enquiries and I was grateful to continue to help my clients feel even stronger, fitter and in better shape. And then the pandemic hit.
How has your business evolved during the pandemic?
And just like that, Zoom was our saviour! I am truly appreciative that we have this platform available to us to be able to stay connected. My lovely clients have repeatedly told me how appreciative they are that they can continue to keep moving and that helps them not just physically, but mentally too. My groups are small, friendly, and a lot of fun! All levels and abilities are catered for (my oldest client is well into his 90’s) and we share the energy, warmth and enthusiasm together.
In addition, I also teach a male only evening Pilates class on Zoom. This option has received a good response, noting that many do benefit from the help Pilates offers.
Now that it is safe to do so, my studio and classes have re-opened again in person and on Zoom. So, if you need a little encouragement and motivation, come and join me for a workout and help yourself and your body to feel great!
Are there any current challenges?
Yes! Bertie our puppy, and how in part I first met Lucy at Life Made Simple physiotherapy.
‘Mum, please can we get a dog? It’ll be fun, we’ll walk it and look after it’...
Yes, I gave in and no, they rarely walk the dog! Our young Bertie is a gorgeous, lovable Labrador, and he is very strong. Training him has not been an easy task and is still very much a work in progress. In his enthusiasm Bertie likes to take me for a walk by dragging and pulling me this way and that. As you can imagine, my back needed help! So that’s when I met Lucy!
As a Pilates teacher, having a sore back is far from ideal. A client of mine recommended Lucy, so off I hobbled. Just 2 sessions later and I was fixed. I now recommend my clients pay Lucy a visit when help is required. She is great at what she does, and clearly has a passion for helping others.
How can we get in touch and find out more about Pilates?
Full details on my Pilates service and availability can be found on our website. Please get in touch or visit my website coremovementpilates.co.uk . See you soon!