10 WEEK COURSES
Taking part in a 10 week progressive course has proved itself to be the best and most effective way of learning Pilates whether at Post-Natal, Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Level. Each week one, two or more new moves are learnt, which are then consolidated in the following weeks.
Once the course is booked up, no new clients are permitted to join that group. This enables the group to progress without having to accommodate any newcomers who may not be familar with the work already covered.
Post-Natal Mums can start this course any time after their 6 week check-up, or 10 weeks post-Caesarian. You are very welcome to bring your baby with you. Unfortunately, there are no facilities for looking after older children.
No previous experience in Pilates is necessary to join this course.
If you miss a class, during a 10 week course, you can join another class to make up for that missed class.
Mara has a specialist qualification to teach both pregnant and Post-Natal women, and has been running these ten week courses for 5 years. Many of her clients return after each birth in order to get their bodies back to where they need to be. Mara, herself, is a mother of two children.
The ten week course follows a pattern. Each week there is a brief preliminary talk focusing on a particular topic which affects Post-Natal Mothers. The idea behind this is to help new Post-Natal Mothers understand what changes their bodies have undergone and where their bodies are now, and Mara is happy to field questions that are concerning any of her clients. Also, Mara is able to "signpost" women to other particular agencies for further specialist help if necessary. The brief talk is then followed by Pilates exercises which have been designed especially to suit Post-Natal women and their particular needs.
This progressive course has been designed to help new Post-Natal Mothers regain their pre-pregnancy figure and rebuild their body's strength. The Pilates exercises will in turn substantially aid towards a woman's recovery from the effects of pregnancy and rigours of childbirth, and reducing, in particular, the potential for back trouble.
Bring your baby with you! Don't worry about your baby making a noise - that's what babies do. The class has a very relaxed atmosphere, where babies can be fed and changed during the class if necessary, so the Mother can still listen and take in intellectually what exercises are taking place, even if she is temporarily busy with her baby.
Mara's classes have been visited by and are recommended by a Senior Obstetric Physiotherapist, Physiotherapists, Nurses, Midwives, GP's, Consultants and a Doctor of Chiropractic who specialises in Pregnant and Pos-Natal women and their babies.
There is ample space for you to bring your buggy into the class. Both the halls used for the Post-Natal classes are light, airy and warm with a lovely smooth and clean wooden floor.
Some clients choose to remain in or repeat one particular level of class. Others work their way up through the progressive levels of classes. The Beginner's course is the next ability level above this class.
Please take a look at the REMARKS - FEEDBACK at the foot of this page which have been written not only by Health Professionals in the Post-Natal field who have visited my classes and watched me teaching, but also by Post-Natal Mums who have attended my Post-Natal Pilates classes.
TUESDAYS in BATH
11.30am - 12.30pm
WESTON YOUTH PROJECT, CENTRE 69, PENN HILL ROAD, WESTON VILLAGE, BATH BA1 4EH
VENUE - Centre 69 - as it is known locally - is situated at the Weston Village end of Penn Hill Road, which runs between Kelston Road and Weston Village. There is plenty of free off-road, and therefore safe, parking - please see details below. Press the doorbell for entry into the building through the door opposite the car park.
View CENTRE 69, WESTON VILLAGE, BATH in a larger map
PARKING - There is a free car park to the front of the building.
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT - No special clothing or equipment is necessary. Just bring yourself, in some comfortable clothes in which you can move. Most classes work in bare feet or socks. Individual mats are provided at the class, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Please feel free to bring any equipment you think your baby might need e.g. a special rug or mat for your baby to lie on.
COST - This is £85 which covers the whole course of 10 lessons. This is payable in full at the first lesson of the course.
THURSDAYS in BATH
1.30pm - 2.30pm
NEW ORIEL HALL, BROOKLEAZE BUILDINGS, LARKHALL, BATH BA1
VENUE - The New Oriel Hall is the conversion of the original Victorian Junior School in Larkhall. Once you are in St. Saviour's Road, go as far as the cross-roads where the shops are. There is a butcher's shop on one corner and a pub, The Larkhall Inn, on the opposite corner. Turn in between these two buildings, and you are almost immediately faced with a 'Y' junction with the public conveniences in the middle of the island. Take the right fork, and within 10 metres you will see the hall up on your right hand side with the car park in front of it. Enter the building through the glass doors reached by the steps or the ramp. Go straight ahead through the curtained, glass and wood doors into the Main Hall.
PARKING - There is a car park immediately outside the hall, where you can park free of charge. If you are a cyclist you can safely bring your bicycle into the hall.
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT - No special clothing or equipment is necessary. Just bring yourself, in some comfortable clothes in which you can move. Most classes work in bare feet or socks. Individual mats are provided at the class, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Please feel free to bring any equipment you think your baby might need e.g. a special rug or mat for your baby to lie on.
COST - This is £85 which covers the whole course of 10 lessons. This is payable in full at the first lesson of the course.
THURSDAYS in BRADFORD on AVON
10.45am - 11.45am
THE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE, 87 TROWBRIDGE ROAD, BRADFORD ON AVON, BA15 1EG
VENUE - Written directions will be posted here shortly. Meanwhile, please see map below.
View THE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE in a larger map
PARKING - There is some off-street parking at the venue. There is a safe indoor space for you to park your baby's buggy.
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT - No special clothing or equipment is necessary. Just bring yourself, in some comfortable clothes in which you can move. Most classes work in bare feet or socks. Individual mats are provided at the class, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Please feel free to bring any equipment you think your baby might need e.g. a special rug or mat for your baby to lie on.
COST - This is £85 which covers the whole course of 10 lessons. This is payable in full at the first lesson of the course.
What people say about my Post-Natal Pilates classes
PR - Women's Health Physiotherapist - Post-Natal Pilates (November 2007)
Mara is a well-qualified and skilled Pilates teacher and her experience shows in the way she is able to adapt exercises for the individual and encourage them to progress according to their ability in a small class setting. I am happy to recommend her classes to my patients as an appropriate, enjoyable and safe way to progress their fitness.
Dr Shaana van Aardenne - Dr of Chiropractic (May 2007)
I came across your advert and website while doing some research for a few of my patients. I am a local Chiropractor (Weston road) that specialises in pregnancy and paediatric care.
I will admit I was relived when I found your website! Having a great understanding of the human body and the anatomy and support system of the pelvis, and understanding the stresses of birth, I am always stressing the utmost importance of strengthening the core after labour. This is the most crucial time for new mother to work on rehabilitation and strengthening this area (as I’m sure you are well aware). With the vulnerability of the integrity of the pelvis from labour/ caesareans and then the manual load from lifting, carrying etc, I’m seeing more and more women becoming a potential for back trouble as their spinal support weakens( if not immediately but further down the road). I am a strong supporter of Pilates and hence my joy when I came across your details.
I am very concerned that new mothers need to be made aware of the importance of good post-natal care. With pregnancy and paediatrics my area of interest and the increased lack of support for mothers out there, I’m working to create a support net for all new mothers.
Having visited and watched you teach your Post-Natal class I was delighted to find that your classes are pitched at just the right level for Post-Natal Women. The benefits of training the core-strength gained in these Pilates classes can result in substantially aiding towards women’s recovery from the effects of pregnancy and childbirth.
Helen Green - RGN SCM (Nurse and Midwife) (June 2006)
Mara offers expert tuition in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
GC, Bath – Post-Natal Pilates
I have never been one for exercise, however after the birth of my first child I really felt I ought to do something. I’d always been attracted to Pilates, but had never attended a course. A fellow new mum mentioned that she had enrolled on one of Mara’s Post-Natal Mums and Babies courses. It seemed a good opportunity for me to go along too. I was particularly keen on Mara’s course as you could take your baby with you.
Apparently everyone recovers from their birthing experience at a different rate. Mara was particularly sensitive to our individual bodies’ abilities – unlike some post-natal exercise classes! I was fortunate enough to be in a small class, which enabled Mara to spend time helping each of us ensure we were doing the exercises correctly. I found this particularly beneficial.
As well as being a great Pilates teacher, Mara was also very comfortable with the babies. She was on hand to provide entertainment and cuddles when required, and seemed keen to hear about our different birthing experiences – something new mums love to talk about!
Following my first taste of Pilates, I have now signed up for Mara’s beginners’ course – I think I’m hooked!! I would recommend Mara’s Post-Natal Mums and Babies classes to all new mums.
Jane, Bath – Post-Natal Pilates (2007)
Very accessible for mums and babies making exercise possible soon after the birth. Teacher and fellow students very tolerant of noisy babies!
Relaxed, non-intimidating environment. Felt comfortable.
Overall, very good. Would definitely go back to Mara for future Pilates classes.
Helen, Weston – Post-Natal Pilates (2007)
Really enjoyed it. Pilates has done me the world of good. Walking helped me loose my baby weight and Pilates put every thing back how it was.
Helena, Corsham – Post-Natal Pilates (2007)
(Helena is a Post-Natal client who chose to join my Drop-In class in Corsham)
Five months after the birth of my youngest son, I was looking for a gentle but effective form of exercise and stumbled across Mara Kirk-Reynolds’ Pilates classes. Having tried various forms of exercise in the past, I was immediately impressed with Mara’s approach. It is obvious that Mara has extensive knowledge in both anatomy and Pilates techniques and she takes great care in assuring a “bodily safe” and healthy Pilates class. Mara’s instructions are clear and easy to follow even if you are a beginner. By demonstrating all levels of difficulty, encouraging us to choose the level that suits us best, she enables everyone to work at their own level of fitness and abilities.
Pilates has clearly helped my flexibility and strength, as well as my breathing and posture. I would gladly recommend Mara’s classes to anyone interested in improving their health and fitness.
Mara really is an inspiring teacher.
Lucy Horn
I have done a Pilates course before that nearly put me off for life!
Now I’m back and have learnt easily and very happily as you have an extremely uncomplicated way of teaching. I feel I have personally improved which is a fab. achievement for a very busy Mum of 2.
I can’t wait for the new course.
Thank you.
If there are any further questions which you would like answered or explained, or to enrol, please feel free to contact me, without obligation, on either of my 'phone numbers or by e-mail.
Telephone: 01225-464 383 Mobile: 07976-898 246
E-mail: mara@pilates-bath.co.uk
I look forward to seeing you all at my classes !
