Ruby worked in the City for over 10 years and fell in love with the Pilates method after it helped her to get back into good shape after the birth of her first son. She has since developed as a Pilates teacher and we are happy to have her as a respected teacher at Yoga West. We chatted to Ruby to find out more about her journey with Pilates.
How did you get into Pilates?
I did ballet and dance as a child but as I progressed, I found instability with my knee joints which caused most of my injuries. At the time I didn't understand this was due to my hypermobility so I just stopped dancing altogether as I was worried about long term damage. I then decided to take up yoga and Pilates so I could keep active and I enjoyed the flow and focus in movement that both provided.
I eventually sided more with Pilates as I saw the benefits it had to my particular joint issues and it's been a part of my routine ever since.
Was there a moment when you realised that you wanted to pursue Pilates seriously?
The moment is really a culmination of a few things! After working in the Financial IT industry for 15 years, I really wanted to leave it behind and pursue my interests in health sciences, ideally in a field that involved working with people. I enrolled with Open University to do my BSc in Health Sciences and I looked into complimentary areas of work that would allow me to learn about and work with the Human body. Pilates was a natural choice when I realised the knowledge and hands on learning I would gain and it was something I was already passionate about as a practitioner.
How has Pilates changed you?
Pilates has helped me manage my own hypermobility issues and I get to go to work every day to something I love. It has changed my body a lot. Its improved my technique in many activities including cycling, dance, yoga, as well as day to day movements. Overall I feel more energetic and taller!
What is your approach to teaching?
With so much to distract us these days, I really want to help people reconnect with their bodies and, in turn, have them enjoy how their body moves and enable them to apply it to their favourite activities outside of class. I like people to enjoy what they are doing.
What advice would you give to people who are considering taking up Pilates?
There are so many reasons to do Pilates (fitness, health, rehabilitation, body conditioning) and it really is for everyone, so I would say it's important to know what you want out of it. There are also many schools of training, so make sure you try different styles of Pilates and find a teacher who's style suits you.
Do you have a favourite Pilates quote?
''To achieve the highest accomplishments within the scope of our capabilities in all walks of life we must constantly strive to acquire strong, healthy bodies and develop our minds to the limits of our ability. " Joseph Pilates
Is there anything else outside your Pilates that people should know?
I'm a 200hr qualified Ashtanga teacher and a Sports Massage therapist. I live with my husband and 2 boys in St Margaret's. I also love eating cake!
You can join Ruby every week, Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:15 pm and Sundays 12:00 - 1:15 pm.
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