Why Choose Douglas Pilates

Douglas Pilates is all about helping you get the body you want.

Susan Douglas - Pilates & Personal Training Expert and Founder of Douglas Pilates

When we work together, you get all of my 20-plus years of experience, my care, and my passion for getting you the results you want.

I’ll give you access to the skills and the understanding you need to tone up, correct posture and alignment, and feel good in your body

Pilates, plus…

While Pilates is the framework for the work I do, it’s not just about Pilates.

Partly, that is because there is more to toning and re-tuning your body than just doing a set of exercises.  Over the last several years, I’ve developed my own Pilates method – taking the full Pilates repertoire (both Classic and Modified Systems), breaking the moves down, enhancing, and restructuring how the exercises are taught and at what level.

The aim is that anyone, regardless of fitness level or ability, can benefit health-wise and shape-wise.

Pilates has played a major factor in improving my back problems to the extent that I recently completed my first off road trail half marathon…
(read more)

Following a history of intermittent back problems since my mid thirties, I was struggling to manage the problem with physiotherapy and getting increasingly frustrated with the impact it was having on my training and ability to participate in the the sports I enjoyed. After reading up on the benefits of Pilates I decided to give it a go and I have been taking regular classes with Susan for the last two and a half years.
I have no doubt that it has played a major factor in improving my back problems to the extent that I recently completed my first off road trail half marathon. As an ex fitness instructor I really appreciate Susan’s teaching style which is focused on making sure you understand and master the basics before progressing to the more challenging Pilates exercises.
I would highly recommend Pilates to anyone who wants to keep fit and healthy and you would struggle to find a more approachable and knowledgeable teacher than Susan Douglas.
Stuart Younie, Sport and Recreation Manager

In addition, because I’ve trained in a variety of other fitness modalities, you get access to all of that expertise and know-how.  For example, I can advise you on nutrition, sports injuries and training for specific sports or events  – like running a marathon, improving your golf swing or improving your horse riding seat.

Douglas Pilates – Expertise, Experience and Caring

Of course, I’m fully qualified, accredited and insured for the work I do.  When you look at my qualifications, below, you’ll notice a breadth of fitness approaches and a strong emphasis on working with people with special fitness needs.

Since 2002 I have trained and assessed upwards of 200 Pilates Instructors and Fitness Instructors.  Again, what I love about this is imparting knowledge and understanding – helping instructors-in-training develop professionally – not just filling them with facts.

Some of the things you might want to know if you’re thinking of working with me, or hiring me:

• After several months of working with an elderly client, paralysed as a result of a spinal tumour, he is now walking again, and even bowling!
• One of my long-term clients – an MS sufferer – gave birth quickly and easily, much to the astonishment of her midwives (MS sufferers can experience nerve damage which reduces the ability to push during labour)
• From 2004-2009, I lectured in Pilates at The Pilates Institute (now Pilates Precision) in London
• During that time I was invited to run a “train the trainer” course at the internationally recognised South African Exercise Training Academy, and to train and mentor one of the lecturing staff at the Pilates Institute in Dusseldorf, Germany – the birthplace of Joseph Pilates
• I’ve undertaken research into the effects of massage stimulation on muscle function for MS sufferers – with good results
• I’ve taught on NVQ, NC and HNC courses through a private training provider and am currently  mentoring a student through Level 2/3 UKCC in Sports Coaching Techniques
• In 2006, I designed a Pilates workshop for the  Scottish Disabled Athletic Team, after being recommended to them
• I’ve recently completed a BA in Professional Development through Dundee University

What gets me out of bed in the morning is knowing that I am going to help someone and improve their quality of life.

Fun!

When I’m not delivering Pilates/Personal Training or training Pilates Instructors, you can find me riding, mucking out, or just hanging out, with the horses..

Qualifications, Certifications and other Credentials:

• BA in Professional Development (University of Dundee)
• Certificate in Teaching Qualification (Further Education)(TQFE) from the University of Dundee
• RSA – Exercise to Music
• ITEC Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Body Massage
• ASA (Amateur Swimming Assoc.) Aquafit Teacher Certificate
• YMCA Certificate in Resistance Training
• YMCA Certificate in Cardiovascular Machine Training
• Keiser Indoor Cycling Instructor Certificate
• Aero Skip Sports Ltd Instructor Certification
• Reiki – First Degree in Usui System of Natural Healing
• HNC and HND in Personal Training  comprising:
• Stretching Techniques
• Fitness Testing and Assessment (Merit)
• Leadership and Personal Effectiveness
• Physical Activity and Health in Contemporary Society
• Circuit and Resistance Training (Merit)
• Exercise Principles and Programming
• Anatomy and Exercise Physiology
• Operation of Health and Fitness Studies
• Exercise to music
• Nutrition, diet and weight control (Merit)
• First Aid
• Sports Injuries – Prevention and Rehabilitation Principles
• Event Management
• Body Mechanics
• Health Screening

6 random facts about Susan Douglas:

…read now…

Come on over to the blog and get help, ask me a question and have a chat…