Ever since Pippa Middleton glided confidently down the aisle of Westminster Abbey holding sister Catherine’s train this time last year at the Royal Wedding, the world has been fixated. More specifically, her toned figure has been one of the hottest talking points since. It was eventually revealed that the secret to her great shape is weekly Pilates sessions which she combines with running. “As someone who is always ‘on the go’, Pilates has been a wonderful escape from my busy lifestyle in London. Whether it’s 7am in the morning or 7pm at night I always leave feeling calm, refreshed and invigorated.
Over the past few months I have noticed a huge difference in my core strength and posture… From breathing techniques, muscle toning to overall flexibility and relaxation, my Pilates sessions have become something of a weekly necessity that keeps me fit, happy and energized.” – Pippa Middleton
Valerie Hayes C.P.T has been teaching in the fitness industry for over 20 years. Valerie was one of the first to qualify as an Advanced Pilates Instructor in the Mid West. This experience and expertise makes her one of the most sought after Pilates instructors in Ireland.
Due to the demand for classes and the popularity of Pilates, Valerie opened her own Pilates Studio on the Church Road in Raheen, Limerick, dedicated to offering classes to beginners, intermediate, and advanced members.
So what is Pilates?
Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. As of 2005, there were over 20 million people worldwide practicing the discipline regularly. The Pilates method is a total body-conditioning workout for both men and women that strengthens the centre, lengthens the spine, and creates muscle tone, increases body awareness and flexibility.
The goal is to develop a high degree of abdominal strength, better posture, stability, greater flexibility of the spine and limbs while combining the power of mind and body. Pilates can help lower back pain, prevent injury, speed up recovery, shrink waistlines and improve high blood pressure, depression and osteoporosis.
Pilates has been highly recommended by physical therapists, chiropractors, orthopaedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists for the greater health and productivity of the physical body.
One of the best things about the Pilates method is that it works so well for a wide range of people. Athletes and dancers love it, as do seniors, women rebounding from pregnancy, and people who are at various stages of physical rehabilitation.
Valerie has new Pilates classes commencing Tuesday May 8 at The Pilates Studio, Church Road, Raheen, Limerick. Morning classes take place on Monday at 9.45am (mixed ability), Thursday at 9.45am (mixed ability) and also on Thursdays is a 10.45am pay-as-you-go class (beginners).
Evening classes take place on Tuesdays at 7pm (mixed ability), Tuesdays at 8pm (advanced), Thursdays at 7pm (mixed ability), and Thursdays at 8pm (beginners).
To secure your place call Valerie on 086 3858522.
