About…
Pilates
The body conditioning technique known as Pilates was invented around 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates. In the 1920s he opened a studio in New York that was very popular amongst dancers. The original method was 34 exercises for strength, mobility and stretching that were designed to create core stability by engaging the deep abdominal muscles. Learning to use the breath and focus the mind in order to be able to accomplish each precise movement were also key features of the technique and continue to be today.
APPI founders Glenn and Elisa Withers are physiotherapists who took the original exercises and analysed and revised them. From that research work they developed a form of pilates that is more adaptable and appropriate for a vast range of abilities, posture types, ages and personal aims. The method is safe and effective for people who are recovering or rehabilitating after injury or post-natally as well as for fit and strong athletes and sports enthusiasts looking to improve.
Contento Pilates offers both Matwork Pilates and Reformer Pilates Classes. Both follow the same principles, both have the same benefits. But with Reformer Pilates we are using a machine called a reformer to add resistance to the choreography. This can add in quite a bit of further variety to the pilates repertoire plus some extra fun!
When coming to class please wear comfortable soft clothing that you can move in and ideally grip socks on your feet. Please bring water to sip. You will be told if you need to bring a mat or any other equipment. There will be music playing gently in the back ground to aid relaxation.
Maria Dean
I grew up dancing in all my free time, enjoying the physical challenge and the chance to express myself creatively, then went on to train professionally as a performer and choreographer at LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts). Studies included ballet, tap, musical theatre, contemporary, hip-hop and of course Pilates. In fact one of the tutors insisted that Pilates enabled her to return to dancing after having a baby.
I worked as a freelance choreographer, teacher and performer mainly in Contemporary Dance, receiving Arts Council England grants but soon motherhood called. Whilst it was a happy time, Pelvic Girdle Pain made all 3 of my pregnancies painful and I didn’t really recover after each birth. Unable to go for even a gentle walk without pain I reached the end of my tether and went back to Pilates, with my former dance tutor’s words ringing in my ears. In 18 months it had helped me to reclaim my strong, supple dancer’s body and so I was encouraged to train with APPI as an instructor myself. I’m really looking forward to helping more people get stronger and hopefully pain free with Pilates.
In May 2023 Contento Pilates expanded into it’s own premises in Great Shelford. In the new Contento Pilates Studio Reformer Pilates classes will take place as well as small specialist matwork classes such as pregnancy and Postnatal Pilates and 1:1 sessions.
BA(hons) Performing Arts - Dance LIPA
APPI Certified Matwork Pilates Instructor
APPI Large Equipment (reformer, cadillac, split pedal chair, arc barrel)
APPI Antenatal and Postnatal Pilates
APPI Kids and Teens
APPI All The Small Balls
APPI Scoliosis
APPI Pilates for Runners
Burrell Education Pelvic Floor and Core Foundations
Burrell Education Optimal Nutrition and Lifestyle for Postnatal Recovery