Move mindfully at Morrissey Memorial

A SIX-week series of beginner and intermediate mat Pilates classes will bring mindful movement to Ross Creek’s Morrissey Memorial Community Hall.

The sessions will start on Monday, 2 August, led by instructor and Ross Creek local Jennie Garnham on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings.

The classes are an opportunity for the retired PE and health educator to share movement, flexibility, and strength practices with her own rural community, while creating more local connections over a cup of coffee in the hall afterwards.

“I believe in Pilates so much, and this is the perfect facility. Pilates is a wonderful exercise platform to get people up and going, and feeling confident about movement,” Ms Garnham said.

“I come from a sport and recreation background, so my Pilates practice is fairly traditional, with lots of work standing up for bones and balance. We do traditional moves, variations and progressions so people can be successful at whatever level.”

Each week, the hour-long class will be different, although always focused on the areas of relaxation, strength – especially in the core – flexibility, and “physical literacy,” which is body awareness and understanding.

An educator in universities and schools her whole working life, Ms Garnham’s specialist area is “how to teach.”

“My research was about pedagogy and curriculum, so I use a lot of building blocks in my Pilates classes, like developing exercises, and ensure participants stay wherever they’re comfortable on the day, without putting their body in a precarious position.

“I challenge those in the classes to their specific level, or give others a regression if they’re not up to it, so I cater for any level,” she said.

“Those trying Pilates for the first time will enjoy how gentle it is on the body… and the connection between the mind the physical.”

Contact 0400 160 561, email [email protected], or visit Just Mat Pilates on Facebook for more information, or to book a place. A six-session series pass is worth $60. Casual attendees will pay $12 per class.