Anita took a nutrition qualification at the University of  East London because she believes that what you eat and what you do go together.  In 1999 she discovered Pilates.  A history of sports (netball, tennis, volleyball, hockey) had left her knees and back in less than perfect condition, and Pilates has changed her body.  She trained as an instructor with the Institute of Pilates in London, and now works with people of all ages and ability one-to-one, small groups in people's sitting rooms, classes in village halls, the Parkinson's Disease Society, and Nene Valley Harriers Juniors.  What she finds amazing is the diverse range of people Pilates exercises make a difference to, whether it's being able to lift an arm above the head for the first time in ages, improved breathing ability, or simply taking time to relax.

Helen Manning
Helen's fascination with Pilates began over 10 years ago, when a back injury forced her to re-think her approach to physical movement by gently and slowly re-training the deep-set abdominal muscles to support the skeleton correctly when moving. The Pilates technique has since become second nature. The benefits to those that practise it are far ranging – a stronger, leaner, more mobile and more flexible body, less tension – particularly in the back. Helen qualified as a Pilates Matwork Instructor with the Pilates Institute in London in 2004 and has been teaching regularly in local gyms since. Helen’s classes are mixed level – however, regardless of age, physical ability or fitness levels we all start at the same place – the Pilates technique and the mastering of the beginner levels. From there, and for those already experienced in Pilates, each of Helen’s classes offers more challenging options.
Classes are mainly floor-based and need no special equipment – just a mat (which can be provided by Equilibrium), clothing that allows free movement, and patience – the technique takes time to master and results take time to gain – but are worth every minute!