Life is a busy balance. Pilates enables us to connect the elements of body and mind for functional mindful movement, not only in our pilates class but in our day-to-day activities. Below you can read all about the classes I run in Royston, Hertfordshire, as well as the benefits and background of pilates​.
Hi, I'm Charley Taylor Bull. I'm a body control pilates teacher who offers pilates group classes and reformer one-to-one classes in Royston, Hertfordshire. Small group classes provide an opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed and friendly environment. One-to-ones are tailored to your needs using both reformer and mat work.
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Raises our awareness of our mind and body connection, which helps us to learn to move more efficiently, not only in class but also in our daily activities.
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Creates better body awareness.
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Improves our balance and coordination.
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Pilates is an effective body conditioning exercise method that:
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Improves core stability by targeting the deep postural muscles.
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Strengthens and rebalances the body in its correct skeletal alignment.
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Assists rehabilitation after injury. Patients are often referred by doctors, osteopaths and physiotherapists (and other medical/injury professionals).
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Helps you to breathe more effectively.
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Improves the mobility and stability of muscles and joints, and re-establishes their correct range of movement.
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Tones the body and improves posture.
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Relieves tension and stress.
I do mat classes, reformer classes and one-to-ones in reformer and chair. Please get in touch via my contact section to if you have any inquiries and want to discuss the options that work for you.
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Mat classes
I run classes at the Royston Complementary Health Centre in Royston.
Classes are weekly and are run in block courses during term time. Classes are in small groups, so I am there to help everyone. We exercise in barefoot or socks and I recommend comfortable, non restrictive clothing. You will need to fill out an enrolment form prior to starting, which ensures I am aware of any injuries, health issues, as well as what you want from pilates and your goals.
Payment is required in advance for the block course, which ensures I can keep a limit of numbers per class so that I can assist you with your movement, therefore you progress safely knowing I am there to help and learn about your own body each time you come. Unfortunately there are no refunds for missed classes. However, if there is room in another one of my classes I will try to offer a catch-up class.
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One-to-ones
This one hour session focuses on clients' individual requirements. I can offer tailored sessions in reformer, chair, mat or all three combined! A one-to-one session is recommended prior to starting a class, in particular rehabilitation after injury or specific conditions.In addition to this you may just want to advance your pilates, work on your individual goals or perhaps you simply prefer this to a group class environment.
Reformer classes
I teach reformer classes of up to 7 clients at Contendo Pilates in Great Shelford. Please visit contentopilates.com for more information.
About me…
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Working for 11 years at a desk as an accountant, as well as having a keen interest in running and martial arts, I soon realised that even though I kept fit my core strength was poor resulting in back problems.
I attended regular body control pilates classes for a few years and I was impressed with its results. So much so, that I decided to train as a teacher in 2011 with the Body Control Pilates Association (BCPA) in London.
Since qualifying in 2013, I continue to learn and take further certified courses with the BCPA, so that as a teacher I continue to develop my knowledge and experience in order to bring the best I can to my clients.
From 2008 to 2015 I also part-time studied and completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with the Open University. It is a BSc open degree that allowed me the flexibility in studying a variety of science modules that are more tailored to my requirements as a pilates teacher; my main focus was health science, human biology, sports science and psychological aspects of athletic development.
I felt it was essential to me to challenge my skills as a teacher and broaden my knowledge.
Qualifications
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Certified Body Control Pilates Teacher (BCPA) 2013
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BSc Open University 2016
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Certified Body Control Reformer Teacher 2017
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Antenatal and Postnatal level 3 qualified 2018
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Other courses
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Reformer 2 : advanced
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Chair
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Pilates for bone health - Osteoporosis
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Pilates in breast cancer rehabilitation
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Pilates for golfers
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Pilates for hypermobility
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Level 4 Pilates - Movement course
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Level 4 Pilates - Adaptations course
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Intermediate Matwork
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Pilates and the foam roller
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Small ball and toning circle
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Pilates and the band
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Duncan Orrock Pilates in 3D
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Cameron Angus Polyvagal theory
I am first aid trained and fully insured with the BCPA.
About Pilates
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Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates. He was was born in the late 1800s and suffered with ill-health from a young age, which resulted in him becoming very frail. His determination to overcome this meant he studied many varieties of exercise methods, which included body building, yoga, gymnastics, martial arts and self-defence.
He moved to England in 1912 and earned a living as a professional boxer, circus performer and self-defence trainer for the police and Scotland Yard.
During World War 1 he was interned, where he trained his other internees in fitness as well as help out in the camps infirmary.
He moved to America in 1926 and met his future wife Clara. Together they set up their first studio in New York, which was originally attended by boxers but it soon attracted ballet dancers, actors and actresses, gymnasts and athletes.
Back then pilates was known as ‘Contrology’ which Joseph and Clara named to refer to the use of the mind to control the body. Contrology combined Joseph’s knowledge of different methods he’d studied, which became his own exercise system with a balance of strength and flexibility. Its main focus being the deep core postural muscles that maintains the body’s strength and support of the spine. It also focused on the body’s awareness, in particular alignment and the use of efficient breathing.
The Body Control Pilates Association
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The Body Control Pilates Association (BCPA) established in 1997, is a renowned worldwide education provider for teaching pilates and is Europe’s foremost professional pilates organisation. Its training is of the highest quality and all members adhere to a Code of Practice which set the professional standards, ethics and continued education.
At the centre of the BCPA method are 8 main principles which were developed from Joseph Pilates original principles : relaxation, concentration, alignment, breathing, core stability, co-ordination, flowing movements, stamina.
BCPA intensive training ensures that all members have a level 3 mat work qualification, which is the minimum requirement in regard to knowledge and skills necessary to be a safe and effective teacher. The level 3 standard was rated by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) and is overseen by SkillsActive (the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning) and the Register of Exercise Professionals (REP’s).
All teachers once qualified are encouraged to further their knowledge and skills with other certified BCPA courses for their continued professional development.
Contact me-
If you would like to contact me to discuss your requirements and pricing please find my contact number and email below. You are more than welcome to email me and I will call you back if you would prefer.
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M. 07779 034 855
All photographs © Amy Brook Photography
