Reimagining you: the Pilates way

How can we future proof ourselves? How does what we do today impact how we are tomorrow? Join Claire and Sophie as they discuss how the time we spend practicing Pilates is an investment in what we will be like, both mentally and physically, as we grow older. Claire owns Chapel Allerton Pilates, Leeds and is a world-leading educator in Pilates and Pilates for Pelvic Health. If you would like to lea...

Claire and Sophie take a look back at their younger selves and reflect on how the movement we undertake as we grow can impact us for years to come. Claire shares her tips for helping children to move in the way that they need to within the constraints of modern life and Sophie laments not starting Pilates until her 30s.

What is menopause? How about perimenopause? And how can Pilates help? Claire and Sophie chat about the onset of menopause and Claire shares what we can do to support ourselves both before, during and after menopause. They chat about the importance of conversations and how movement can help. Claire also outlines how women who might be having symptoms can be supported in class. Menopause cafe link h...

Continuing with the theme of identity, Sophie and Claire chat about the life-changing impact, both physically and mentally, of motherhood. They both share their experiences of becoming mums and the changing demands on our bodies over the years. Claire shares the far reaching benefits of prenatal and postnatal Pilates and how a regular Pilates practice continues to impact us positively as our child...

Have you thought about trying Pilates or something else in life and stopped yourself because you don't think you can. We talk about the barriers we put in place that prevent us from pursuing our dreams and goals and how Pilates really has no barriers to entry. We bust a lot of myths about who does Pilates and what Pilates actually is.  Did you know that Claire owns Chapel Allerton Pilates Leeds an...

In the last episode of the season, Claire and Sophie go back to where it all started and welcome the original after class crew to the show. Meet Anita, Jo, Mel and Rachel to chat all things Pilates. The group chat about how they came to Pilates, what a regular Pilates practice has brought to their lives, what keeps them coming back for more and their top takeaways from Season 1 of the podcast. htt...

In the penultimate episode of the season, Claire turns the tables on long-standing client and fellow podcaster, Sophie. They delve into why Sophie started Pilates and what has kept her doing Pilates.  Claire also shares some simple ways to invigorate yourself & refocus during long days at the computer.  They also reflect on what the first season of the podcast has brought to them and the impact of...

To explore the community surrounding Pilates and the benefits of this, in this week’s episode, Claire and Sophie welcome their friend and local business owner, Jo McBeath. Jo chats about how she became a Pilates convert and Claire and Jo explore how fundamental the community is in their work. Claire’s Pilates studio https://chapelallertonpilates.co.uk/ You can find Jo’s gift shop and workshop, Chi...

‘Tech neck’ is a recent phenomenon which describes how when we’re on our phones checking out our latest emails, text messages and Facebook posts or leaning over a laptop for a large proportion of the day, we’re placing our necks into an overstressed forward curve, resulting in a hunched posture. In this informative episode, Sophie discusses the moment she realised the impact too much tech was havi...

How do Pilates props help us to move more freely? What small equipment is handy to have for your Pilates practice at home? In this week’s episode, Claire and Sophie discuss the benefits of Pilates props including the foam roller, the Oov, the stretchy band, magic circle, spine corrector and dowel. They also chat about why we use a mat in Pilates. Special offer join Claire's online Pilates Pick n M...

Pilates classes tend to start with footwork but why is this? Why is what we do with our feet so important to what happens in the rest of our body?  Join Claire and Sophie as they chat all things feet. Sophie learns that it’s not just about getting a good pedicure as Claire shares how improving our movement starts with our feet and the best way to do this. Claire also outlines some exercises you ca...

Why is Pilates called Pilates? Whatever is Corkscrew, Swan Dive and Boomerang? How can we change our language to promote a positive mindset? In this episode, Claire and Sophie discuss the importance of the language we use in Pilates and the impact of reframing what we say in improving what we believe we can do. TED talk mentioned: Your body language may shape who you are. Amy Cuddy reimaginingyou....

Claire and Sophie love a good hack and in this episode, Claire shares some of her best hacks to make movement easier. She talks through tips for mastering some of the trickier Pilates exercises and they also discuss ways to incorporate the best Pilates hacks into everyday life. The Pilates chair mentioned by Claire is the Wunda Chair and you can read about it here https://www.pilatesanytime.com/bl...

Why how we breathe matters in Pilates and in life. Ever wondered whether there’s a right way to breathe during Pilates? How should we be breathing during life? Why does this matter? In this episode, Claire will take you through a breathing practice which she uses to get herself and her clients centred and ready for class and explains why this is so important. Sophie chats about being a mouth breat...

In this second episode about Pelvic Health, Claire and Sophie welcome their first podcast guest, Pelvic Health convert, Elaine Bates. Struggling with Pelvic organ prolapse, Elaine discovered Claire’s Whole Body Pelvic Health Online programme 18 months ago. She chats to Claire and Sophie about the impact the course has had, not only on her pelvic health, but also her wellbeing. If you are affected...

In this week’s hugely informative episode, Claire helps Sophie to understand why every woman needs to invest in her pelvic health at all ages and stages of her life. They chat about how old injuries can impact your pelvis and discuss ways in which Pilates can improve pelvic health. Claire also outlines the pelvic health online course she has developed and how women anywhere can access it.  WHOLE B...

Ever wanted to do Pilates but don’t know which class to choose? Have you tried a mat class but would like to explore Reformer? Have you looked at a Spring Wall and suspected it to be a instrument of torture? In this episode, Claire guides you through the different options for Pilates classes and explains what you will gain from each one. Claire and Sophie also discuss how to find the right studio...

What impact has COVID had on us mentally and physically? What changes have come about in the way we move and practice Pilates as a result of the changes in our lifestyles over the last couple of years? What are the pros and cons of virtual and in person Pilates classes? This week Claire and Sophie debate all of these questions and exchange stories of their experiences during the rollercoaster of t...

Do you know your Pilates from your Yoga? Ever wondered what Pilates actually is and how it could benefit you in other areas of your life?  Join Claire and Sophie in this latest episode as Sophie confesses that she thought Pilates was a ‘bit of light stretching’ until she actually tried it out! And Claire demonstrates that investment in regular Pilates practice now is the best insurance for a healt...

With our work from home culture and restrictions we need to find new ways for self-care and we need it more today than ever before. We talk about the self-care scale identifying the tiny daily habits for improved health and wellbeing and those bigger events that we need to schedule in advance and everything in between. If you have a topic you would like us to discuss drop us an e-mail and don't fo...

Have you tried Pilates but just not ‘got it’ yet? Do you want to try it but are unsure of its benefits? Have you had that Pilates a-ha moment and want to understand how you can use Pilates to reimagine all aspects of your life? Meet Claire and Sophie in this first episode as they chat after class to discuss that ‘a-ha moment’ when they realised their Pilates practice was having a positive impact o...

Welcome to Reimagining you: the after class chat.