Rhian, Studio Owner Pilates & Barre Instructor

Hi! My name is Rhian and I am the owner of Essence Garden Studio, and teach Pilates and Barre. I first started practicing Pilates after the birth of my daughter. I have scoliosis and spinal fusion and found that the lack of core muscles after having my daughter made my back pain 100 times worse. Following the guidance of my spinal consultant who recommended Pilates, I found a local instructor and started practicing Pilates in 2008. After 6 months I no longer needed the steriod injections I was having or the daily pain killers and found I could manage my pain purely with daily Pilates. In 2010 when life throw a curve ball and I found myself made redundant from my office based job, I decided to retrain in Pilates and have never looked back.

Movement is medicine for the mind, body & soul

Rhian intially statring practicing Pilates in her early 30's to help strengthen postnatally to support her scoliosis. However 15 years on Rhian has found that Pilates has been a great help during the perimenopause.

Pilates is low-impact and movements are slow and controlled
Pilates exercises can modified and adapted to individual needs
Controlling your breath especially in a Gentle Flow Pilates class can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Pilates helps with joint mobility.
Pilates breathing exercises helps to make the connection between your Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor. Hormone imbalances during the perimenopause can affect Pelvic floor health.

Its not all Pilates for Rhian

Pilates may be Rhians 'Go To' exercise when her scoliosis needs a little TLC, but she also likes to spend time open water swimming, walking her dog and wall climbing.