Pilates classes in Exeter with Fiona Swan
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Pilates for beginners
Personal Training
Why practice Pilates?
Welcome to my Pilates classes at Powderham Castle, Alphington Community Theatre, and online.
I run Pilates classes suitable for all levels, from beginners to intermediates. In all sessions, the exercises are layered from easy (Level 1) to more challenging (Level 3), ensuring that everyone can practice Pilates effectively and get the best possible results. ​​
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​​​​​Pilates is a low-impact way to stretch and strengthen the entire body. The controlled and focused movements are an effective way to improve overall body strength and range of movement around joints. It's also great for balance, agility, and coordination, which become increasingly important as we age.
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Pilates is based on the 34 original Joseph Pilates mat-based exercises, which allow all muscle groups to be stretched and strengthened, leading to improvements in muscle mass and bone density. Pilates is particularly effective in managing 'non-specific' lower back issues and is also a great way to correct any postural issues. ​It can also enhance various other sports and activities, such as golf, gardening and kayaking.
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​To ensure that individuals get the most out of my mat-based Pilates sessions, I offer separate classes at Powderham Castle & Alphington Community Theatre Room for beginner and intermediate levels. This allows me to keep class sizes small and everyone can start at an appropriate level and make good progress. See Class Timetable
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​​​​If you are short on time, I also offer a livestreamed class on Monday at 8.15am and Wednesday at 8.45 am, enabling Pilates to fit around your lifestyle and use any Pilates equipment you already have. We particularly focus strengthening exercises using a variety of weights. See Class Timetable
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Alternatively, you may be interested in a personal training session. As a personal trainer specialisng in exercise for older people, functional fitness, and some neurological conditions, I can develop an exercise programme to meet your specific requirements. If you would like to chat, please don't hesitate to give me a call.
Hope to meet you soon.​
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​ Fiona
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About Fiona
Fiona enjoys working with individuals to help improve health and fitness - both in class and the great outdoors.
Fiona is a Personal Trainer Practitioner registered with the Charted Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). She is also a Level 3 Mat-Based Pilates instructor, with a Level 4 specialist qualification in Exercise for Lower Back Pain.
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With a particular interest in exercise for older people and functional strength training, Fiona is especially aware of the importance of maintaining the many components of fitness, particularly for those aged 40 and onwards. Where possible, strength, agility, and balance training are incorporated into all classes.
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As an outdoor enthusiast, Fiona is also a Hill and Moorland Walk Leader, providing local interest walks across Devon & Dartmoor. She also teaches Nordic walking and 'forest fitness' at beautiful Haldon Forest Park. ​​​​​​​
For more about Fiona's outdoor fitness classes and guided walks, please see www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk
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Whatever your motivation for exercise, I hope you will consider my classes, as they really are suitable for everyone. Exercising with others, with guided instruction, is a great motivator, and the varied exercises within the sessions may provide that extra bit of challenge you're looking for. Or reach those parts of the body you never knew existed!
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​​​​​Registered with CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, enhanced DBS checked, and fully insured.
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How to get started
Joseph Pilates
Pilates is a 'physical fitness system' developed by Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1880. Joseph devised 34 mat-based exercises, which now feature in modern-day Pilates classes.​​​
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Pilates is recognised as an effective way to improve
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Strength
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Flexibility
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Mobility
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Balance and coordination
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Posture ​
Find out more ​
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"The online class is a great way to squeeze some exercise into my week. I don't need to travel anywhere and it's like having a brilliant teacher in my living room." Gillian Taylor ​​​
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"Fiona's classes focus on the whole body and are carefully choreographed for all levels. She has a relaxed, encouraging manner that makes you want to give things a go." Miriam Smith