How It Works

To get in shape, improve your health, and have the body you want, you need:

1. A suite of easy-to-learn exercises that really work. An exercise routine should effectively tone, shape, define, realign and strengthen, without taking all day. And if it is easy to learn and remember, you’re much more likely to actually do it.
2. An understanding of body mechanics – At a physical level, the body does function like a machine – muscles, bones, nerves (should) all work together.  So stretching is as important as strengthening; alignment is as important as toning.   Knowing how to balance the different elements – which exercises to do when – is vital for good health, protection from injury and improvement of your physical condition.
3. To perform appropriate exercises, tuned to your ability level, with the correct technique. This is about each exercise being made bespoke.  So you’re not doing THE exercises you’re doing YOUR exercises.  Exercises modified as needed, and pitched at the right level for your current situation.  Plus done with the correct technique, for optimum results – because your time is valuable
4. The ability to draw on techniques from a variety of related disciplines, for example neuro-muscular training and feedback,  or deep-tissue massage. This means a more effective process that solves more problems and works for more people – i.e. it’s more than just an exercise class
5. On-going monitoring and adjustment of the above through plenty of personal attention, observation, discussion and feedback.  Without this, you can end up wasting time, effort and money on an exercise regime that, at best, doesn’t meet your fitness needs, and, at worst, can result in injury.

Exercises regimes are common.  But finding all of these key ingredients in the same place is rare.

When you DO have all of these, you can get brilliant results.

Douglas Method ~ Evolved Pilates^TM was developed specifically to deliver these results after I realised that the one-size-fits-all, follow-the-leader approach to fitness was not giving people what they needed or wanted.

It seemed to me that a more solution-focused approach was needed – i.e. focusing on what was needed for participants to achieve their goals, rather than on the exercise sets.

I no longer suffer discomfort or need to take painkillers… (read more)

“When I started Pilates with Susan I could not play my sports of Curling and Golf without discomfort and painkillers, as a result of pushing a heavy car uphill when it broke down.
She worked out a series of exercises which addressed my torn hamstring, twisted knee and shoulder, and recommended a physiotherapist who fixed my dislocated pelvis. (NHS took care of my hernia.)
Now my muscles are back to full use, my flexibility and strength have improved, and I no longer suffer discomfort or need to take painkillers to play my sports.
I continue to take Susan’s Pilates classes and continue to improve my overall well-being.”
Alan Wilson

 

Over the years I’ve developed an expert understanding of exactly how Pilates exercises need to be taught, modified, developed and applied to suit the needs of individual participants. Plus I am continually improving my skills in other techniques so that these can also enhance clients’ learning and results.

I routinely teach, not just the exercises, but why you might (and might NOT) want to do particular exercises.

This understanding gets applied consistently in all my Pilates classes, with plenty of personal attention. You are actively encouraged to discuss the process, ask questions and give me feedback on how you’re finding it.

This means:

1. I can modify or substitute exercises, so they’re more appropriate for you, right then, in the class
2. You quickly become skilled in performing the exercises – so when you do them at home, you get the maximum benefit
3. I can apply or recommend other methods or techniques as appropriate.

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Pilates classes you hold at West Calder Community Centre. I really feel that I have benefited from your style of Pilates… (read more)

“I had previously been attending Pilates classes for 2 or 3 years (on and off!) and although I have always enjoyed them, in some of the large classes it was often the case of “one size fits all” and trying to keep up with everyone else, whatever your level of fitness.
I really feel that I have benefited from your style of Pilates – the small class sizes and your more personal approach means you were able to identify individual problems and recommend exercises to overcome them.”
Millie Bond

Douglas Method Evolved Pilates^TM can help you feel good in your body – toned, shapely, strong and resilient.

Through strengthening all operational parts of the body, you’ll have less of the injuries that most people suffer on a regular basis.

And you can reduce stress and anxiety because of the calming, mind-body balance inherent in the Pilates exercises.

All this is attainable. You can have the body that you want. And I can show you how.

Start here: download my free handbook “Stretch for Health – Making Stretches Perfect for You #1: Hamstrings”

Are you hesitating? Perhaps you are caught by the most demoralising myth…The Myth of the Perfect Body…

P.S.  Looking for Pilates Instructor Training, Mentoring and Assessment services?  Here it is…