A SIX-week series of beginner and intermediate mat Pilates classes will bring mindful movement to Ross Creek\u2019s Morrissey Memorial Community Hall.<\/p>\n
The sessions will start on Monday, 2 August, led by instructor and Ross Creek local Jennie Garnham on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Ms Garnham said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each week, the hour-long class will be different, although always focused on the areas of relaxation, strength – especially in the core – flexibility, and \u201cphysical literacy,\u201d which is body awareness and understanding.<\/p>\n
An educator in universities and schools her whole working life, Ms Garnham\u2019s specialist area is \u201chow to teach.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy 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\u2019re comfortable on the day, without putting their body in a precarious position.<\/p>\n
\u201cI challenge those in the classes to their specific level, or give others a regression if they\u2019re not up to it, so I cater for any level,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose trying Pilates for the first time will enjoy how gentle it is on the body… and the connection between the mind the physical.\u201d<\/p>\n