Teresa Malins

About me

Looking back, my career before Pilates was really quite successful! I spent over 15 years in the fitness industry, teaching aerobics and step choreography classes in Central London and Sydney, Australia. I presented master classes, appeared on National and International TV, featured and presented in bestselling videos and dvds as well as acting as Group Fitness Manager in two of Central London's Premier health clubs.

To me, back then, movement meant complicated choreography, fast thinking, fast footwork and basically throwing myself around the room until I was drenched in sweat and my body ached. My class participants loved it, and needless to say my classes were really popular.  It was about looking fit, and as long as I looked the part- that was what mattered. Looking back I was operating from the place of the ‘ego’.  I didn’t really ‘listen’ to what my body was telling me.  I don’t think a day went by when my body didn’t ache, but I kept going, pushing through my pain.  My chiropractic treatments became more regular and I was advised to give up teaching.

I started attending Pilates classes to help manage my ongoing back pain and here I learned to move with a new awareness and started to notice subtle changes in my posture which in turn reduced the pain in my lumbar spine.  I realized that this type of movement was more about ‘listening’ to what my body was telling me rather than ignoring it.  It was more about how I felt inside rather than what I looked like on the surface.  A great shift had occurred in my outlook towards exercising.

Recognizing the benefits, I decided to learn more about the Pilates Method of movement and went to Toronto, Canada to engage in my teacher training at the world renowned Stott Pilates studio. I never looked back! Realizing how much there is to learn, I embarked on another teacher training program with Polestar Pilates in London.  I continue to regularly update my knowledge and am grateful to have trained and worked with some of the most inspirational teachers in the industry.  I see Pilates as a deep learning experience and a life changing awakening of the body in which the benefits and possibilities are endless. 

I fill my time now by tutoring and assessing Pilates Matwork courses for Future Fit Training, teaching Pilates Matwork classes in and around Nottingham and working with one to one clients on the Reformer.   I am also Group Exercise Coordinator at Virgin Active, Nottingham and teach Pilates to the players of Nottingham Forest Football Club.

The History of Pilates

Joseph H Pilates (1880-1967) had been an accomplished boxer, diver, gymnast, circus performer and had even worked as a model for anatomical drawings. Not bad for someone, that as a boy suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever!

German born Pilates, moved to England and with the outbreak of World War 1 was interned in English camps, along with other German Nationals. Whilst in these camps, Joseph devised a series of exercises that could overcome injuries and postural problems.

He started to train other internees in his matwork exercises and devised makeshift exercise aids by attaching bedsprings in various positions so patients recovering from injury could exercise safely.

In the late 1920's Joseph Pilates moved to New York where he opened a studio, sharing an address with the New York City Ballet. Ballet dancers were drawn to his work and the word began to spread. After his death, his work continued, being passed down by his wife and friend and then on through a second generation of Pilates instructors.

Hollywood celebrities discovered Pilates and soon the media began to cover the Pilates Method extensively. The public then listened and the Pilates Method went 'through the roof'! Millions of people continue to practice Pilates and the numbers are still growing.

It has become a firm favorite for movie stars, dancers and the general public alike, benefiting anyone from pregnant women, back pain sufferers, people recovering from injuries and professional sports people.

Principles of Pilates

The Pilates method is divided into 9 principles, all of which are used throughout a session/class.

The first of these principles is CONCENTRATION and the awareness that allows you to focus the mind on what the body is doing. With concentration comes CONTROL, we must allow our neuro-muscular connections to guide us through movements that are not sloppy but performed with integrity.

By CENTERING the body we find control. In Pilates all movements are initiated from the centre and move outwards. Stabilizing from the deep abdominal and spinal muscle allows us to become very powerful and is a very safe and effective place for starting movement.

Diaphragmatic BREATHING/ lateral breathing (into the posterior ribcage) re oxygenates the blood and helps with aligning the body. We always start from a very Neutral position in Pilates ensuring correct POSTURAL ALIGNMENT of the skeleton. If one muscle or bone is out of place the whole structure is effected, whether you are sitting, standing, laying or walking.

When we have mastered the exercises one movement will FLOW beautifully into the next with PRECISION.

STAMINA will build and resistance and intensity can be added. The endurance of the deep and superficial stabilizing muscles is challenged whilst maintaining the integrity of the spine without sacrificing technique. If we induce RELAXATION as a starting point with Pilates, the body is less likely to be injured.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a unique approach to exercise which develops body awareness, improves postural alignment and increases flexibility. When we practice Pilates, the body's core strength and posture is built by using a series of stretching and conditioning exercises which strengthen without building bulk.

Focusing on awareness of the spine, proper breathing, core strength and flexibility, the outcome is a balanced body which is strong and supple, flat stomach and balanced legs and back.

Therapy or Exercise?

How can Pilates be beneficial to back pain sufferers yet challenging enough for a sports person? The Pilates Method is a complete program of mind/body conditioning with huge scope and a spectrum of potential exercises.

There are many small and therapeutic movements designed to help people return to exercise after injury which can be expanded, intensified and choreographed to challenge even the most agile sportsperson.

In the past the Pilates Method was mainly used by dancers and celebrities but now, Pilates has taken the general public by storm and attracts anyone from tight-neck and shouldered office workers, to sciatica-plagued mothers, businessmen and women and elite athletes and their physiotherapists, knowing that by practicing bi-weekly it will help them to strengthen their back and abdominals and restore flexibility to their joints.

Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Chiropractors are all keen to refer clients to a fully qualified and experienced Pilates Instructor.

Prices

How much are the sessions?

Pilates One to One (Reformer/Matwork/Small equip) £40.00

Pilates Two to One(Reformer/Matwork) £40.00

Pilates Reformer Block of 5  £190.00
Pilates Reformer Block of 10  £370.00

Matwork course prices given upon request

Terms & Conditions
The first session will be an introductory session which will include a postural assessment.
All blocks are valid for 6 months.
Payment is by cash or cheque only.
24 hours notice is required for all cancellations.
Cancellations must be made by phone, not email.
All Pilates sessions are 1 hour long.
Loose, comfortable clothing & socks must be worn for each session.

Welcome...

Hi! I’m Teresa Malins.

If you are passionate about Pilates, want to deepen your current practice or maybe you are a complete beginner, I can help!

Having worked in the health & fitness industry for over 20 years, I have come to realise that functional movement patterns are vital to optimum health. Pilates helps to increase flexibility, strength and muscle tone, correcting postural imbalances and improving breathing patterns.

I am currently taking bookings for Pilates Matwork courses and drop in classes in Sydenham, Forest Hill, Honour Oak, Dulwich and other areas of South East London. I am also available for one to one sessions. If you would like to find out more about me, my work & Pilates, why not subscribe to my blog, so you can automatically be notified whenever I update it? (just click the orange button on the right)...