“YOU can go at your own pace.”

These are not words one would expect from a sports instructor.

But as those she has taken under her wing over the past decade will attest, Pilates teacher Gemma Bowen is no drill sergeant baying orders. She believes in gradually building up strength, not crashing and burning in the first week. After all, at its core, Pilates is as much about relaxation as it is fitness.

“Every exercise has breakdowns,” says the founder of Swindon Pilates and Dance.

“You can start off really slowly and gently and eventually build up stamina and do the more advanced moves.

“The important thing is to relax. It’s really great for people who lead a stressful life. You learn to isolate and target muscles to work on them, and the rest of the body can relax.”

After putting an end to her professional ballet career at the age of 21 Gemma started half-heartedly teaching dance when she was ‘converted’ to Pilates.

“My dad had back pain and his physiotherapist told him to do Pilates,” she says. “I read up on it and decided to join in. I was hooked. It is really close to dance. You have to be really aware of your body. I loved it.”

She enrolled on a teacher–training course in Covent Garden twelve years ago and has been spreading Pilates’ philosophy in Swindon ever since.

Pilates was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates, who believed mental and physical health were closely connected. His method was influenced by western forms of exercise, including gymnastics, boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling.

The discipline aims to strengthen the body in an even way, focusing on core strength to improve general fitness and wellbeing. .

Pilates enables people to improve their posture, body alignment and increase muscle-definition. Over the years Gemma has also helped clients deal with injuries and back pain.

“It’s about retraining the body,” adds the 33-year-old. “Many people have jobs where they sit down, they get weak cores, turned shoulders. Pilates allows them to open up their chest and strengthen their muscles and prevent injuries. Eventually the goal is that they learn to self-correct. The more you do, the quicker you see the benefits.”

Each block of six classes at Swindon Pilates and Dance is £48.

Sessions take place at Christ Church, Croft Primary School, Lawn Community Centre, Swindon Dance and Honour Health & Wellness.

To join Swindon Pilates and Dance call Gemma on 07935 398686, email gemma@swindonpilatesanddance.co.uk, visit www.swindonpilatesanddance.co.uk or www.facebook/swindonpilatesanddance.