Fran is a certified Rider Biomechanics Instructor with the International Society of Rider Biomechanics as well as a qualified Pilates coach. She specializes in teaching Pilates to the over 50s and horse riders.

Pilates for the Over 50’s

As we grow older muscle mass and strength is lost, our joints stiffen, our bones start to lose density, our muscles weaken and our proprioception becomes compromised. To combat these signs of age it is important to start an exercise programme that can help postpone and even counter these conditions. Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that increases mobility in all the major joints and strengthens the muscles that support the joints and spine, whilst the emphasis on our alignment improves our posture and balance.

Pilates for Horse Riders

Pilates offers the rider more than just body conditioning, the exercises help teach you to find and use your core muscles correctly, how to “switch” on the right muscles whilst keeping others neutral and increase your awareness of your posture and alignment.

Will Pilates help me in my other sporting activities?

If you are a cyclist, regular Pilates can help you too! Pilates can help offset the shortening of your hamstrings and counter the hunched posture that so many cyclists have problems with. Walkers, runners, paddle boarders, tennis players and golfers will all feel the benefit too.

What equipment will I need to do Pilates?

Chose comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement, but avoid items that are so baggy that the seams start to twist. In classical Pilates the use of trainers, or similar, is frowned upon. If you are happy to exercise in bare feet that’s marvellous, otherwise wear socks, or trainers, as you chose.

An exercise mat is essential. When selecting a mat try and choose one that is about 6ft long, 2 ft wide and ideally a quarter of an inch to half an inch in thickness.