Jan Davies Pilates Instructor

BSc, MSc, MBA (Warwick), MBCPA, MREPS, cert ECBS, BTPA

 

Brighton Pilates Instructor Jan gives a brief history of her pilates journey

I was first introduced to Body Control Pilates in 1999 by my physiotherapist who referred me to it as part of my rehabilitation following serious chronic back problems (and other health issues). I enjoyed it so much and was so impressed with the improvements that it made in in my body generally, least of all in my back,  that I decided to change my career completely and become a full-time instructor myself. I've never looked back on that decision to this day. I enjoy every class I teach and never cease to feel the sense of gratitude of doing something that gives me, and my clients so much pleasure. I also get a great sense of contribution when I work with clients to help them work out routines to help themselves manage their body problems -  invariably  back issues.

Body Control Pilates Instructor

Since qualifying as a Body Control Pilates Instructor in 2001 I have also qualified in Body Massage in 2001, Indian Head Massage in 2002,and the Bowen Technique in 2005. I am a full member  of the Bowen Therapists Professional Association (BTPA) . I find therapy work very rewarding particularly the Bowen Technique when clients report such significant improvement in their condition following treatments. The practice of good movement patterns in pilates is an essential follow up to any complementary healing therapies.

Body Control Pilates Association Member

This move into self employment in complementary therapies generally was a very significant change in direction for me after 15 years in the corporate world in sales, marketing, training, business management and consultancy (to include HM Treasury) in both the public and private sectors of different industries . I spent many months training for my Body Control Pilates® principally in London and Brighton experiencing as wide a range of teachers as I could to include Lynne Robinson (head of the Body Control Pilates Association , "the queen of pilates" as quoted by The Times), and Paul Anthony McLinden (in Enterprise Point, Brighton with Helge Fisher). Since qualifying I have trained with Miranda Bass (author of the Classic Mat Workout book with Lynne Robinson and course writer for the association) and Paul McLinden at Ocean Wave Pilates in Hove where I attend a weekly advanced pilates class. I currently do 2 sessions (of an hour)/week  of gyrotonics with Laurie Booth in the Brighton Natural Health Centre and have done since 2005.

I have been pursuing spiritual interests for many years now and was a student Spiritual Healer with the NFSH from 2006-13. I've attended Buddhist and Meditiation courses at Brighton Buddhist Centre, and Mindfulness courses with the NHS and in the Anahata Clinic.

Teaching Body Control Pilates since September 2001

I have been teaching Body Control Pilates® in Hampshire (Winchester) since Sept 2001 and in Brighton since spring 2003 (for details see contacts page). I teach classes of up to 12 people, small groups and do 1:1 sessions to include home visits. I frequently incorporate the use of light pieces of equipment in experienced classes (such as weights, magic circles, foam rollers, poles and balls) which provide extra challenge to core stability and stamina. The use of these "toys" is by no means obligatory. Exercises in my classes are tailored to the needs of individuals as required and no-one is ever under any pressure to achieve more than suits their needs at the time.

I am honest and professional, have a high level of integrity and enjoy a good sense of humour.

Body Control Pilates Association Courses Attended

  • Back 4 Good (July 2010) 4+ days specific back pain course
  • Basic Matwork, numerous prequalification workshops
  • 2 weeks course in Tunisia with Lynne Robinson, Paul McLinden, Beverley Densham, Sasha Davis (USA)
  • Intermediate Matwork
  • Advanced Matwork
  • Annual Development weekends in London
  • Matwork Evolution Part 1
  • Pilates and the Physio Ball
  • Pilates in Pregnancy (antenatal and postnatal)
  • Pilates and Osteoporosis
  • Core Stability
  • Poling Workshop
  • Baby Arc Workshop
  • Pilates and Breast Cancer (2014)
  • Pilates and Golf (2015)