Movement for all. Reformer Pilates

Flow Pilates Kent is situated within the Medway Towns, Chatham, and is the only boutique Pilates studio in Medway. The studio offers a variety of Pilates and Yoga classes at affordable prices, including a free run club. 

I'm a fully qualified Pilates instructor, Personal Trainer and UKA athletic run coach. I hold qualifications in Pre and Post Natal exercise, kettlebell strength training, sports massage, and exercise for special populations, including a certificate to teach Pilates for Osteoporosis and Pelvic floor health. I'm currently studying for a BA in Law with the Open University in addition to studying for a diploma in Menopause wellness. I understand that movement and exercise in a group environment can support preventing isolation and improves health and mental well-being. My passion for movement and accessibility to exercise has encouraged me to open a studio within my local area that has limited Pilates classes.

I believe that there should be no barrier to exercise, therefore the studio timetable is open to all members of the community to exercise in a safe, welcoming, and mentally nurturing environment. This is possible as I offer discounted classes to those on a low income, ageing strong Pilates for the mature members of the community, and Pilates for beginners.

I have an enthusiastic approach to movement and Pilates in general, my passion is to introduce Pilates to the members of the public living in Medway, to allow them to experience the wonderful and life-changing benefits offered by the mythology of Pilates.

There are three instructors, including myself working at Flow Pilates Kent on a freelance basis. We all hold the same vision of ensuring that exercise, well-being and health are accessible to all, we do this by offering classes at affordable prices in addition to offering pay-what-you-can classes to members of the community, we also offer our elderly community members a lifelong discount on our ageing strong classes. We understand that the elderly go through life changes, such as isolation when they've spouse has passed away, coupled with their circle of friends becoming smaller due to death. We believe that no matter your age one should still have an element of independence, hence the reason why our ageing strong class focuses on strength, mobility and flexibility.

Our timetable also offers 6-week pregnancy Pilates courses. Studies have shown that exercise and pilates during pregnancy can support in reducing backaches and other aches associated with pregnancy, and reduce constipation, bloating and swelling. Exercise helps to boost mood and energy levels and may help with shortened labour, reducing the risk of having a C- section. Also offering a quick recovery post-pregnancy. Our pregnancy Pilates course will focus on balance, posture, stability and well-being for the expected person.

Upon the completion of my Menopause Wellness diploma, I plan to deliver quarterly menopause awareness workshops, to open the discussion around this fundamental change, both physically and mentally. This will enable people with ovaries to understand what is happening to them so they can make informed decisions about their own health care.

Market research has led us to understand that the male population in Medway tend not to participate in classes which seem 'just for women' and 'easy'.  We hope to break this stigma by offering men-only Pilates classes to enable them to understand and fully respect that Pilates isn't just for women, after all the person who designed the program was a man, Joseph Pilates.

Our aim is to not target particular groups, our studio is open to all. Flow Pilates studio - Kent has in place policies to ensure that members of the LGBTQIA+, transgender and non-binary can attend classes in a safe place without feeling discriminated against or isolated. 

The reformer machine is made up of a platform, and carriage (moving bed) connected to a frame and moves freely on wheels. The machine hosts a set of springs which provides resistance against the movement of the carriage, the reformer has a footbar, straps to use for hand or feet exercises and shoulder blocks to rest gently on to prevent users from falling. The reformer machine is versatile and inclusive as it can be used by anyone - from athletes to pre and post-natal and older adults. The machine is set up to constantly challenge you, so even seasoned reformer clients will feel that they're being challenged throughout their practices.

The movement of the reformer requires pushing or pulling the carriage against the spring resistance and the most challenging and fun aspect is controlling the return phase of the carriage. The reformer offers a variety of exercises where participants can stand, sit, lay, knee or be upside down. This results in developing strength, flexibility and balance - the reformer offers additional varieties in our Pilates practices compared to mat pilates as the reformer springs can be adjusted to create resistance or instability or both making the movement patterns harder or easier, which is unachievable in mat pilates.

Reformer Pilates is effective in weight loss, it tests our balance and coordination, in the same vein of allowing us to improve our focus, coordination, concentration, posture, body alignment, and lowers blood pressure, improves cardiovascular health and can ease lower back pain by stabilising the spinal muscles.

Our vision is to offer small reformer Pilates classes to ensure that our clients receive suitable attention and correction when needed, it will also enable our instructors to build individual relationships with the participants, which will promote our vision of getting to know the members of the local community. The money raised for our project will ensure that we can offer a variety of Pilates classes for the members of the Medway community.

Your donation will be greatly appreciated with love.

Kind regards,

Taryne

Founder of Flow Pilates Kent