Finally downloaded my certificates from December. My First Aid training is fully up to date!!
Spring into Pilates!🌱
Well I thought all those new classes helped January go by very quickly, didn't you?
Only one more week of classes then it will be half term already!!
The last class of this block will be on
Friday 9th February 2018
Please note there will be no classes during Half term
Monday 12th February 2018 - Friday 16th February 2018.
Dates for the next block of classes are....
Monday 19th February 2018 - Thursday 29th March 2018
Please see course details below...
Tuesday
09:30 | Mixed Ability Pilates | The Royal British Legion, (£48 per block, waiting list applies)
10:30 | Adult Ballet | The Royal British Legion, (£30 per block)
20:00 | Mixed Ability Pilates | Kingsbury Hall, (£48 per block)
Thursday
19:30 | Mixed Ability Pilates | Oakley Fitness Studio, (£48 per block)
20:30 | Adult Ballet | Oakley Fitness Studio (£48 per block)
Friday
10:00 | Barre | The Royal British Legion (£40 per block)
13:30 | Mixed Ability Pilates | Kingsbury Hall, (£8 drop in)
Please note; Pilates, on 22nd February at Oakley Fitness will be taught by Denyce Way.
If you would like to secure your space please make your payment to
ANGELA ROUTLEDGE PILATES
60-16-03
73811599
Pay as you go is subject to availability only!
ARP News
I have a waiting list!👌🏻
Tuesday Pilates 9:30am
This lovely Pilates class has been very popular lately and currently has a waiting list! Thank you all so much for attending and please do let me know if you would still like your space for the next block?
Angelina Ballerina!!😉😊
Adult Ballet
The classes at the British Legion (Tuesday 10:30am) and Oakley Fitness (Thursday 8:30pm) have been great fun and well attended! All ages and abilities are welcomed!
Don't be shy! Come and give it a try!
Other Pilates Classes
Kingsbury Hall Pilates
Tuesday 8pm (Its been going strong for 3 years!!) Friday 1:30pm (Feel Good Friday!! Start your weekend right with this drop in class! Only £8)
Oakley Fitness Pilates
Thursday 7:30pm
It has got off to a great start and I still have room for a few more!!
Give me a shout if you'd like to try it out!!
Brand New Barre Class
Barre Friday 10am
This Fun, Upbeat, Butt Sculpting, Fat Burning and ever so slightly Painful fitness class has passed the test!! It has been given the thumbs up for another block!!
Please let me know if you would like to sign up for next term?? Limited spaces available!!
Happy New Year!!
Hope you all enjoyed a nice break over the Christmas holidays!
Well here we are already in 2018!
I always love January! Obviously, not the dark, the cold weather or the winter germs but definitely the idea of New Beginnings!
Getting organised, decluttering and starting some new good habits, always helps set me up for the year ahead. Excitingly, this January, I have 3 brand new classes on my timetable that I'm dying to get started next week (9th Jan)!
Extra evening classes in Pilates and Adult Ballet!
I'm delighted to finally be able to offer an extra Pilates evening class at Oakley Fitness in Petts Wood!
New Pilates Class Thursday 7:30pm
AT OAKLEY FITNESS Petts Wood
New Adult Ballet Thursday 8:30pm
AT OAKLEY FITNESS Petts Wood
And a New Friday Morning Class!
I'm very excited to launch this brand new fat burning class at the British Legion!!
New Barre Class Friday 10am
AT THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Petts Wood
What is Barre?
Barre is an upbeat, energising, ballet inspired workout, using the barre or a chair for support.
these classes are designed to create longer and toned muscles, reducing body fat and improving your posture and alignment, using just your own bodyweight as resistance,.
Every muscle group will get an effective workout to increase strength and flexibility.
Come along and FEEL THE BURN!
Barre is the perfect class to start in January, as it is strengthening, toning and most importantly 'FAT BURNING'!! I've been practising and devising this class over the last couple of weeks and can't get over what a tough work out it is! Although the movements are small, simple to do and suitable for all. You will work your muscles so well that they will start to tremble, which will help increase your body's ability to burn fat for up to 48 hours after the class! Sound good?
Let me know if you would like to book a space on the new 5 week course?
My New Updated timetable looks like this....
Tuesday
09:30 | Mixed Ability Pilates | The Royal British Legion,
10:30 | Adult Ballet | The Royal British Legion,
20:00 | Mixed Ability Pilates | Kingsbury Hall,
Thursday
19:30 | Mixed Ability Pilates | Oakley Fitness Studio
20:30 | Adult Ballet | Oakley Fitness Studio
Friday
10:00 | Barre | The Royal British Legion
13:30 | Mixed Ability Pilates | Kingsbury Hall,
The new courses will run for 5 weeks from
Tuesday, January 9th until Friday February 9th.
Courses are £40 each per 5 week block and can be booked by making a payment to
Angela Routledge Pilates
60-16-03
73811599
Spaces are limited, and January is always a busy time so please do book now to avoid disappointment!
See you on the Mats!
Thank you
Angela
New Year, New Classes!!
New Year, New You!
New Pilates, Barre and Ballet courses available in 2018!
Starting January 9th! In Petts Wood!
Tuesday
09:30 | Mixed Ability Pilates | The Royal British Legion,
10:30 | Adult Ballet | The Royal British Legion,
20:00 | Mixed Ability Pilates | Kingsbury Hall,
Thursday
19:30 | Mixed Ability Pilates | Oakley Fitness Studio
20:30 | Adult Ballet | Oakley Fitness Studio
Friday
10:00 | Barre | The Royal British Legion
13:30 | Mixed Ability Pilates | Kingsbury Hall,
The new courses will run for 5 weeks from
Tuesday, January 9th until Friday February 9th.
Courses are £40 each per 5 week block and can be booked by making a payment to
Angela Routledge Pilates
60-16-03
73811599
Spaces are limited, and January is always a busy time so please do book now to avoid disappointment!
Have a Wonderful Christmas!
Hope to see you on the mats in the New Year!
Thank you
Angela
Class Details
Update
You may have noticed that this term I have cut my timetable down to just 4 classes.
I apologise for any inconvenience. I have had some circumstances change recently that has meant I have needed to free up some time just for now. This is just a temporary arrangement, I'm hoping to extend my business and timetable once again in the next few months and will look forward to being able to offer you some exciting new options in the near future!
I will keep you posted!
Summer News
Well this block has gone by in a flurry, here are a couple of the highlights and summer class news...
Charity Class for 'The Primrose centre'.
On May 5th, during the 1:30pm class at the Kingsbury Hall in Petts Wood, £100 was raised for this wonderful charity.
The Primrose Centre is a breast cancer centre at Orpington, Kent. It is a registered charity depending totally on charitable donations. It offers an oasis of calm in a converted chapel for those seeking support and therapies during their journey of medical treatment. The Primrose Centre fulfils a huge need in supporting hundreds of visitors diagnosed each year with breast cancer. Visitors come from a large geographical area within London and the South East to our converted chapel near Keston. The charity does not make a charge for therapies but is enormously grateful for donations which provide services now and into the future.
Adult Ballet
This block saw the start of the new 'Adult Ballet' class in Petts Wood on Tuesday Mornings at 10:30am. It is the new highlight of my week! It has got off to a great start and Im pleased to announce that it will become a regular class on the timetable.
As I am now the proud owner of a ballet barre, I am planning on running a trial 'Barre Fitness' class in September. I will keep you posted.
New Block Dates
There will be a short break for half term from Monday 29th May - Sunday 4th June
The next block of classes will run for 4 weeks from Monday 5th June - Friday 30th June.
I will also run a 3/4 week block in July and then take a break for the summer during August.
Friday 10:30am at The Better Body Group
It is with great sadness that, for the foreseeable future, I will no longer be able to run the Friday morning class at the Better Body Group. The Better Body Group are refitting their facility upstairs, including the studio to accommodate more consultation rooms. They are planning to extend their studio space in the near future. Hopefully, we can resume once this is up and running but for the time being please check out my timetable and join me at another time if it would suit you.
Thats all folks!!
Thank you and see you on a mat soon!
Angela😊
Summer Pilates News
Spring Fund Raising Results
The spring Pilates block was eventful and I was over the moon that we managed to raise £148 for comic relief on Red Nose Day.
Red nose day pics
Summer Pilates
The new block of Summer Pilates will begin on Tuesday 18th of April and run until Tuesday 23rd May.
Summer Fund Raiser
On Friday 5th May at the 1:30pm class, all proceeds will be donated to the charity below
http://www.primrosecentre.org.uk/index.html
New Class Starting This Week!
Any budding ballerinas out there??
well ok if you are an adult and you aren't a member of 'The Royal Ballet' by now, you may have missed your opportunity!
But what if once a week you could pretend??
Starting from Tuesday 18th April, I am planning to get the Ballet barre out, put some classical piano music on and set some simple but ever so flouncy combinations. I'll keep these combinations the same for the whole term so that wether you are an experienced dancer or a beginner, you will have the chance to master them by the end of the term.
There are no intimidating mirrors or strict Ballet Mistresses with large sticks. Just me, and I'll be busy joining in with my back to you, trying to pretend I'm Darcey Bussell😉.
Please let me know if you would like to come along and brighten up your Tuesday with a float around the room.
Summer Class Plans
Really looking forward to the next block of classes! I have some full body workouts prepared but expect to tone and strengthen your upper body over the next few weeks!💪🏻😃
Exciting New Additions
I have made a few purchases over the last few weeks... As well as a labrador pup I have also invested in a ballet barre and some new pilates weights to help enhance our workouts a little.
See you on the mats!!
The History of Joseph Pilates
I love this mini documentary about Joseph Pilates by Rael Isacowitz. Well worth a watch!
Spring Pilates
Hi Everyone,
Hope you have had a lovely sunny half term?
The next block of Pilates classes starts this week
Monday 20/02/17 and will run for 6 weeks until Friday 31/03/17
SEVENOAKS
Mixed Ability Pilates
Monday 7-8 and 8-9pm
Thursday 7:30-8:30 and 8:30-9:30pm
Friday 10:30-11:30am
PETTSWOOD
Tuesday 9:30 - 10:30am
Tuesday 8:00 - 9:00pm
Friday 1:30 - 2:30pm
If you haven't already and would like to secure your space in your current class, please book your space at...
info@arpilates.co.uk
Thank you and looking forward to seeing you on a mat very soon!!
Angela😃
Charity Pilates Social
Hope you're having a great weekend!
Wouldn't it be lovely to have a Pilates Social??
Below is a flyer for a fund raising evening at Solomans in Southborough, featuring Pete Gardner's (One of my lovely clients😊) band.
Tickets are available now from www.kentband.co.uk click on the 'Live dates' page or directly at jonahswail.eventbrite.co.uk. More info also at https://www.facebook.com/JonahsWail
Please buy a ticket and come along, bring your other half! It would be lovely to see you all there and have a mingle while raising money for two great causes.
Here's some info about the charities:
"The annual St Georges day fundraiser party with great music, drink and merriment on Sat 22nd April which is the day before St Georges day, it's to raise money for the following two very worthwhile causes!
Porchlight homeless charity: www.porchlight.org.uk
Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services: www.davss.org.uk
There’ll be a full bar with a selection of local beers, plus cones of hot chips for sale. We hope to see you for what will be a great night! Jonah’s Wail"
Hope that's all you need and it'll be great fun if we do manage to get a good contingent from our Pilates classes!
Let me know what you think?
See you on a mat soon
Angela
January Workshop
Classical Pilates Workshop
Last Saturday I was booked into a workshop at The Tranquility Pilates Studio in Blackfriars. It was such a beautiful crisp January day and the walk from London Bridge to Blackfriars was absolutely Glorious!!
Could have happily stopped there but had to tear myself away from the gorgeous views and head down to the basement studio for what turned out to be a very challenging Pilates workshop in 3 sections
- 2 hours Classical Pilates. Joseph Pilates Original 34 matwork exercises.
- 2 hours Reformer. As originally devised by Eve Gentry, a Pilates elder.
- Film showing. Joseph Pilates-A Tribute
It was wonderful to get the opportunity to attempt the original work of Pilates, it is so rare to do anymore than 4 original exercises in a normal Pilates class as the exercises require a solid understanding of the technique and there is not time to explain each of them during one session. Performed altogether is such an intense workout. Must try and fit this into my regime a little more often.
The Universal Reformer.
A Tribute to Joseph Pilates
The film was interesting, here are some new things I learned about Joseph Pilates that adds to the biography I already have on my website...
Joseph Pilates was a showman, a pioneer, a creative genius!!
Joseph was born into a poor Catholic family around the 10th December 1883, he was one of nine children of which 3 died of ill health. He became obsessed with health and took up gymnastics as a child, his early philosophy was to make the best of what you have and to take good care of yourself.
Although there is little evidence about Joe's time it the Interment camp on the Isle of Man, it would seem that this dreadful time for the majority of people became a chance for Joe to be his most creative. 'Time was a gift'.
When he returned to Germany he opened a boxing school, which in turn gave him the opportunity to flee from Germany to America just before the 2nd World War. He left his wife and children behind.
On the boat to America Joseph met Clara his life long love and work partner who apparently was a better and more personable teacher than he.
Once in the USA Pilates created many elaborate publications about his exercise system. He was published in Colliers magazine. He even wrote a letter to JFK stating how he believed Contrology would save the USA.
It was his way or the highway, he was a 'Hands On' (or actually 'feet on' as you can see below) kind of teacher who didn't call anyone by name and knew very little about any of his clients.
At his classes, you would train to strengthen, stretch and control!
It wasn't about being the best or being better than anyone else, you were training to be a bit better than yourself.
Joseph never described his exercise system as a 'core workout' and would probably be horrified to hear Pilates being described this way. It is very much a 'Total Body Workout'.
J P Quotes....
"Bring energy through the whole body to uniformly condition the body"
"Change happens through movement and movement heals"
Joe Pilates
2017 Off to a good start!
Happy New Year All!!
How long into January are you allowed to say this, I wonder?
Nearly all New Year classes got started last week, with the exception of Thursday evening and Friday morning which were snowed off, better luck next week, I hope!
New Beginners class!!
Tuesday 9:30am was a huge success!! a little too huge actually but I have a little plan that will hopefully work out for the best.
I'm well aware the the New Year is always a time that spurs us on to try something new, but still, It was wonderful to have such a good turn out at the class on Tuesday morning😃.
However, it is so important to give, especially beginners, the time and attention they need when trying out Pilates for the first time as so much depends on having the correct alignment and technique.
I've decided to run a 4 week Beginners course starting from this Tuesday 17th January to give newer clients an introduction to this incredibly effective technique within a smaller group.
The cost of the course will be £32 in total (booking essential).
Please let me know if you feel that you may benefit from this course.
Thank you and hope to see you on the mats very soon!
Pilates festivities and a successful charity event
Festive Pilates shenanigans
My official last pilates class of the term was last Friday 16th December. Of course it was obligatory to bring along bucks fizz and mince pies to enjoy after the class, always nice to close off the end of a year of classes with very special clients.
When your class members take you literally...
As a surprise one of my class members, the lovely Laura Caldwell, bought along some Prosecco, not necessarily for drinking I might add but to prove to me that she could balance a tray of Prosecco on her back whilst performing a quadruped Pilates exercise, an analogy I have used in the past to encourage the correct technique (need to take more care with these in future). Well as you can see by the below pics, Laura was very successful and kindly shared the Prosecco with us after. My class members ended up rather jolly for 2:30pm on a Friday afternoon the school run later was a fun one!😉
Charity event
Tuesday 20th was our Christmas Charity Class for The Maypole Project. I was so pleased to support this wonderful cause and wanted to say thank you so much all who attended and donated. Your generosity helped us to raise £172! Simply a Pilates class followed by coffee, mince pies and a raffle. I have to say it was an amazing feeling to drop in to the project and be welcomed by my step daughter Hannah and hand over the cash. I hope to do something like this again at the end of next term.
Thank you so much everyone for all your support this year attending classes and 1-1s. I truly love my job and know how lucky I am to be surrounded by such lovely people on a daily basis.
Well all that is left to say is.......
Merry Christmas and a Very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year!
Looking forward to seeing you all back on the mats in 2017
The Maypole Project
Charity Christmas Pilates Class
Thank you so much for all your ideas regarding which Charity to pick for The Special Christmas Charity Class this Tuesday, 20th December at the Royal British Legion. I have had some great ideas put forward and have made a list of them so that at the end of each term I can donate one of my classes to charity.
This time, as my stepdaughter Hannah has recently been volunteering for it and has encouraged me! I am very pleased to announce that, this Christmas, we will be supporting The Maypole Project.
The Maypole Project provide a lifeline of emotional support to children with chronic illnesses and their families. They are a small local charity based in Orpington but support families across the whole of the south east of London. They provide a unique pattern of emotional psychological/social support which is based on and led by the families’ needs. It’s unique because of the way that it’s provided; flexible and on-going, professional and understanding. It costs us £750 to support one family for a year and receive no government funding thats why our support means so much and I'm so pleased that we can do a little something to help.
Please let me know if you can support this wonderful project by coming to Pilates on Tuesday 20th December at 9:30am at The Royal British Legion in Petts Wood, there will be coffee and mince pies served after the class along with a raffle!
If you would like to learn more about the maypole project please check out their website and/or like their Facebook page....
http://www.themaypoleproject.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/TheMaypoleProject
Last Few Pilates Classes of 2016
Can't quite believe we have come to the end of 2016 already!
The last few classes have been festive with fairy lights and have left you lengthened, relaxed and released, thanks to the spikey balls, always a treat! We may also of had the odd mince pie or two!
How lovely!!
Festive Pilates🎄
Thursday Sevenoaks Pilates Class, I have a small favour?
If it is ok with you all (please do let me know if not)? For the next two Thursday's (8th and 15th December), I would like to run just 1 class from 7:30-8:30pm and in return, on the last Thursday (15th), I will be bringing mulled wine and mince pies for after the class if you are able to stay after for a bit?
Monday Class... Please feel free to stop by at 8:30pm and join us if you are nearby?
New Year Pilates!
The next block of classes will run for 5 weeks from Monday 9th January to Friday 10th February 2017.
Had a little helper in her onesie this evening to bring a little festivity to the Pilates class😊💕
This week at ARP
Back to the Pilates Studio for me
Although I spend most days teaching Pilates, it can sometimes be difficult to fit in an affective session for myself. During a class or 1-1, I tend to demonstrate 1 or 2 repetitions of an exercise and then jump up and find a client to prod into the correct alignment. Although I try to squeeze in a mini workout most mornings they often get interrupted by daughters and labradors.
Being my own boss is wonderful but I miss having direction to be sure that my teaching is affective or that I haven't forgotten an important fact?
Time to head back to the Pilates Studio for some master tuition.
Last weekend I headed over to Tranquility Pilates Centre in Blackfriars (https://www.tran-quility.co.uk) and took part in a Pilates Method Alliance Workshop with the truly inspiring Nikki Chrysostomou. It was so good to get back on the apparatus and to have some expert tuition. I picked up a few new ideas but best of all, I have come away feeling confident that my teaching is on the right track and that I will be ready to take an exam to allow me to become one of the few British teachers affiliated with the PMA early next year. Exciting stuff!
To prepare for the exam, of course I will need to brush up on my anatomy and physiology again but more importantly I need to revisit the Pilates apparatus (reformer, trapeze table wander chair) after a 2 year break, so I can know all the exercises and equipment set up off by heart.
The Universal Pilates Reformer
Reformers take the Pilates method to a whole new level! I feel like I am walking on air after a session on the reformer, I feel lengthened, strengthened, energised and toned! The way your body is supported as you move allows the exercise to be suitable for almost anyone.
Benefits generally associated with Pilates Reformer classes are:
- Greater muscular strength and endurance
- A dramatic boost in your energy and metabolism
- Changes in your body composition
- Increased cardio-respiratory fitness
- Greatly improved balance and flexibility
- Increased core strength and improved postural alignment
New Opportunities
I've been visiting a few local studios to see if I can practice on their equipment and whilst doing so have managed to secure a new job teaching 2 reformer classes a week starting in the new year. 😁 I can't wait!! I will have more news of this over the next couple of weeks.
The Tranquility Pilates Centre fully stocked with Pilates apparatus including The Universal Reformer and studying with Nikki.
Extra Tuesday Charity Christmas Class🎄
The new Tuesday morning class is going very well, what a nice group you are! I have had a request to run this class for an extra week so that you don't get to out of practice over the Christmas break. I have decided this is a nice idea so there will be an extra Charity Christmas class on the 20th December. This will be a pay as you go class with all proceeds going to charity (not sure which one yet, suggestions most welcome). There will be coffee and mince pies after😋. If you would like to book please let me know.
2016 Achievement 'The Roll Up'.
With all of the classes over the last year, especially over the last few months, I have been using several of the original classical Pilates exercises to focus on improving spinal mobility.
To be able to mobilise your spine, you need strong core abdominals that coordinate efficiently. This takes a great deal of practice but the postural results are extremely worth it! I hope you have been able to see and feel the improvement in your bodies?
It has been so rewarding to see a number of you suddenly able to perform 'The Roll Up' for the first time. This is an advanced exercise and its amazing to see so many of you achieve this! Congratulations!
Please check out my Facebook page by clicking on the link below to see video above...
https://www.facebook.com/angelaroutledgepilates/?fref=ts
Next Block of Classes
Emails will be going out shortly regarding January 2017 Pilates Classes so please check you inboxes or let me know if you would like to be added to my mailing list.
Thats all for now folks!
Enjoy the festivities and see you on a Mat Soon!
Angela 😀
HEALTH-KICK MUCH NEEDED!!
As I had been spending many extra hours and lots of late nights preparing the new website over the last month or so, I had found myself sliding into some rather bad health habits. One bad habit seemed to very quickly multiply.... Lack of sleep = lack of energy = less exercise taken = more junk food eaten = less water intake = more coffee, wine etc😝. Before I knew it I was feeling pretty rubbish, body and mind!
I don’t know about you but this kind of behaviour creeps up on me every now and then and quite often around this time of year.
Luckily I have a little formula that I find helps me get back on track.
I Have a pint of hot water and fresh lemon and/or ginger first thing in the morning!
Morning Pilates!
Even just 10 mins spent connecting mind to body, calms me and helps me make better choices throughout the day. Always joined by Bob the dog of course! Best way to start the day!!
Joseph Pilates, himself, in his book 'Return to Life Through Contrology"said 'These exercises build a sturdy body and a sound mind fitted to perform every daily task with ease and perfection as well as to provide tremendous reserve energy for sports, recreation an emergencies.'
Keep hydrated! Simple but very easy to forget! (my friend Melanie of Soulistic Therapy wrote an excellent blog on this recently, http://soulistictherapy.co.uk/blog/water/) worth a read.
That is the extent of my health kick for now! I find it much easier to stick to if I make only small changes at a time.
I have managed to start 4 out of 7 mornings like that this week and I already feel a lot better! I am more energised and feel able to cope with the day ahead and without even having to think about it, I have eaten and slept better too.
Perhaps next week I might be ready to make another small change or maybe I might just have to repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 yet again!😉
This week at ARP
Well its been an exciting week!!
New Website!!
Firstly, I have finally launched this brand new website which I'm so pleased with but has taken hours and hours and hours and more hours! but it is finally ready and Ta Da! here it is!! I have to say a big, huge, thank you to Katherine Heath for her help and expertise setting it up, designing the logo and advising me on all things 'tech'.
I must also thank Gill Ellard, Jaime Rose and Karen Lilley for their help preventing a number of faux pas, thank goodness! Otherwise you may be lead to believe that Pilates is "Distressing" rather than "de-stressing"😂. Thanks ladies, what would I do without you!?😘
New Class
The new block of classes is now in full swing including the new, quite popular, Tuesday morning class at The Royal British Legion 9:30am.
I'm very happy with the venue. It is a perfect size, its bright, clean, warm, has perfect flooring and a good sound system. I couldn't help but have a mini workout just before you all arrived. 😀👇🏻
Function room, upstairs at The Royal British Legion, Petts Wood.
Plenty of room for Pilates!!😊
Class Plans
During the first week of classes this block, I have just focused on waking up our bodies after the short break. A bit of basic mat work, some gorgeous stretches, foot work, thoracic rotation and a tiny bit of upper body strengthening.
Next week I will be incorporating some oblique work to trim the waist and further strengthen the core.
Please do let me know if there is anything you would like me to work on over the coming weeks, I've already had a couple of requests for the "circle" would you believe?
See you on the mats soon!
Angela