What is Pilates?
Many things have been written about Pilates as a method, and the man behind it, Joseph Pilates. But every teacher brings a different experience, and, although we teach the method, the process is always interpreted through our own eyes. In essence, Pilates is an exercise system that aims to restore healthy biomechanics and optimal movement. It develops strength, coordination, flexibility and mind-body connection. Many of us have exercised at some point in our lives and we will be familiar with some of the exercises. But what the method offers is a new awareness of how to perform these exercises correctly and mindfully. While the fitness industry is promoting exertion and tiring workouts that offer no understanding of the body, Pilates embraces awareness. It is not about copying the movement as you would do in a gym. It is about understanding the movement, understanding the what, why and how.
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Exercises
Apart from the exercises that you might be familiar with such as sit-ups, back extensions and push-ups, there are many other exercise that you might not have heard of before, such as the hundred, rolling like a ball, the roll up, the seal, or the saw. All Pilates exercises aim to help you develop your mind-body-spirit connection, coordination, flexibility, core control, muscle strength and posture.
Focus
Techniques
PILATES PRINCIPLES
Joseph Pilates used six principles to guide his students
BREATHING
CENTRING
CONTROL
CONCENTRATION
PRECISION
6. FLOW
I personally believe that the most important advantage of Pilates is that each exercise can be modified according to different body types and needs. That’s why Pilates uses so many props, such as the Pilates band, the Pilates ring, and the Pilates ball. Consequently, it is appropriate for complete beginners to top athletes and dancers.
Important to know!
It is about understanding the movement, understanding the what, why and how!
It is important to know what you are doing as this encourages the mind/body connection.
It is important to know why you are doing it as this will help you understand what parts of your body you are using and strengthening.
It is important to know how you are doing it so you can do it correctly and reap the benefits from each exercise.
About me!
Symeon KyriakopoulosTrainer
I am a certified pilates instructor. I really enjoy teaching and witnessing how Pilates transforms people’s lives. I travel across London for teaching and especially to Hackney, Stock Newington, Islington and Manor House.
My personal, detailed, and holistic approach to pilates can support your journey to a healthier body!
Qualifications
Besides my Pilates qualification, I have attended many CPD courses to develop my practice. I have been trained by Stott in Total Barre, and Fascial Movement. I have completed my Pre- and Post-Natal certification with APPI.
- Fascial Movement, STOTT
- Foundation Barre, STOTT
- STOTT Pilates Diploma
- Level 3 Pilates Diploma YMCA
- Post Dip, Dance Science, LABAN
- ITEC Holistic Massage, St Mary’s College
- BA (Hons) Ballet & Contemporary Dance, Ramber School, University Of Kent
- BSc (Hons) Psychology, University Of Hertfordshire
Pilates Benefits
THIS IS MY STORY
I was born and raised in Athens, and movement has always been an integral part of my life. When I was 14, I started practicing Wushu (what commercially is known as Kung-fu). The elegance and power of this beautiful art form inspired me and shaped me. It also happens that I was very good at it and I participated in many tournaments and championships earning cups and medals. When I finished school, I moved to the UK to study psychology. I earned my first Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. Upon completion of my first degree my passion for art, dance and movement led me to audition at the prestigious Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. After auditioning, I was awarded a three-year DADA (dance and drama) scholarship. I graduated in 2006 with a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Kent.
During my three-year training and the extreme demands of dancing daily for hours, I had to deal with various injuries. Under the direction of Kio Tomiyama, my pilates practice helped me recover from my injuries. For my personal education and development, I simultaneously completed the ITEC diploma in holistic massage (level 3). After graduating from Rambert, I studied Dance Science at Laban. This included a sports science diploma but applied all theory and practice to dance. Then I spent a few years rehearsing, performing, choreographing, exploring movement and different somatic techniques (Alexander’s technique, Feldenkrais, Acroyoga) and always doing Pilates to maintain a healthy and optimal musculoskeletal system.
Because I inherently knew that there can’t be a physical symptom without a psychological and spiritual counterpart. in 2008, I started seeing a Jungian psychologist. The journey into the unconscious has been difficult and arduous. But it has shaped me in the way I create art, see the world, teach Pilates, and relate; it has been an important part of the person I am today. I am greatly indebted to my analyst and all the Jungian teachers that have helped me to ground my spirituality, to deepen my understanding of my journey and to make me less rigid about my expectations of who I should be! And they have helped me find my true voice. This journey, however, needs constant refinement. That’s all right.
In 2014, I created Crossword Ballet, a small dance company dedicated to tell the story of a ballerina’s journey into warriorhood. How can a peaceful dancer become a powerful warrior? Issues of peace, war, feminine power and beauty encompass my heroine’s journey. But since therapy and art have always been my two passions as they are so interlinked, in 2015 I decided to expand on my somatic practices and chose to train as a pilates instructor. The decision to train with STOTT PILATES®️ was initially practical, but I am so grateful I did it. Indeed, it echoed my approach when working with movement, which is mindful, detailed and technical. I consider myself extremely lucky to have trained with STOTT PILATES®️. Pilates as it has given me the most solid foundation to become and develop as a Pilates teacher. Upon graduation, I have had the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful studios such as YogaWest and YogaHome. I am honoured and grateful for their continuous support and encouragement in my Pilates journey. In addition, I have also been employed by some more commercial gyms such as Bannatynes, Nuffield, Fitness First, and Virgin. Lately, I have also begun collaborating with LabSpa in Muswell Hill, which is unlike any other gym I have worked for. I am very grateful to be part of their team.
Besides my Pilates qualification, I have attended many CPD courses to develop my practice. I have been trained by Stott in Total Barre, and Fascial Movement. I have completed my Pre- and Post-Natal certification with APPI.
Through my personal approach to Pilates, I believe I can support someone’s journey to a healthier body. Although I recognise the importance of beauty, I am also more in touch with the psychological elements of exercise. Eventually, we are all seeking freedom and independence and a healthy body that moves optimally can provide that. Thus my mission is to support your journey not just to a healthier body but to a free, independent and joyful life.
