Upcoming workshops in Dunedin & Wellington - Meet Jaimee McDonald of JM Pilates

NEW BEGINNINGS

Hello <<First Name>>!

The winter solstice has passed, and we are now moving forward to spring. Days are increasing, and nights are shortening, which is music to my soul.

Hearts & Bones Pilates | Workshop Demystifying the Shoulder for Pilates

My post lockdown world has been busy as I adjust to normal life again. I must admit it has been a tough road. Needless to say, my traveling opportunities have slowed down. But, I have a trip to Dunedin planned in September. I will teach the Demystifying the Shoulder workshop.

Hearts & Bones Pilates | Workshop Pilates for older adults in Wellington

Hearts & Bones Pilates | Workshop Pilates for older adults in Wellington

This coming weekend I am teaching Pilates for older adults. I will teach online to a group of teachers in Wellington. One of the gifts of the last few months has been a willingness for people to work online. It is such a useful addition to our suite of tools as teachers. I am continuing to teach both online and face-to-face sessions every week. I love the variety and being able to stay in contact with people I care about both near and far.

Online Mat Classes

The online mat class has developed out of the lockdown time. It is such a pleasure to be working from people across the country, many of them teachers themselves.

One teacher commented:

"Loving your Wednesday class. I look forward to it, and it's just what I need. For the first time since I started taking classes, it feels like I’m doing Pilates for myself. And, I hope that’s how my clients feel when they join my classes.”

I design the class to help you feel wonderful. Join me on Zoom on Wednesday mornings 9am-9:45am. $45/month. Contact me if you would like to register for this class.

Free YouTube Classes to Stay

A few people have asked if I will be taking down the YouTube classes because they love doing them in between their classes at the studio. The answer is a resounding NO! Those classes are there for you to enjoy free of charge at any time on any day. All I ask in return is that you like the video if you find it of use to you and also subscribe to my channel if you have not yet done so.

Exciting News

Another exciting development is the addition of Jaimee McDonald to the studio. Jamiee is setting up her business - JM Pilates and working out of the Hearts and Bones space. I love collaborating with other Pilates teachers and practitioners in allied professions. Please read more about Jaimee as she embarks on her Pilates business journey.

Spotlight: Interview with Jaimee McDonald from JM Pilates

Hearts & Bones Pilates interview with Jaimee McDonald of JM Pilates

TH: What made you decide to become a Pilates teacher?

JM: I began practicing Pilates while recovering from injury. As I continued on my pilates journey, I learned how powerful the movements were. Not only was I able to gain full body strength I found my body became more lengthened and supple. In general, I felt amazing and energised after my sessions.

Teacher training was a natural progression. I was already a group fitness and personal trainer. I sought to learn more about Pilates practice and its benefits. Once I experienced equipment based Pilates there was no turning back. I left my sessions feeling like I’d worked my muscles hard. But what surprised me the most was there was no joint pain or aches. This amazing feeling was something I wanted to share with my clients.

I wanted to help them progress and achieve pain-free movement as I had. Pilates can supplement other training modalities, or prevent and recover from injury. Pilates can also be the main movement practice used to achieve personal goals. Pilates Teacher training has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

I’ve loved seeing my clients enjoy and embrace it as I have.

TH: What inspires you about teaching movement?

JM: Movement in general is so important to ensure both mental and physical health. Pilates in particular leaves you feeling amazing and energised immediately. I love giving others this opportunity. To experience the uplifting and free feeling a Pilates session provides. I am inspired by the people who gain such significant improvements within themselves.

TH: What is the biggest challenge you are facing as you set up your new business?

JM: I am still new to Richmond. So, the biggest challenge for me is reaching those who would most enjoy giving Pilates a try.

TH: What are you most excited about as you move ahead with realising your dream?

JM: I’m most excited about introducing new clients to Pilates. I want to show them how varied and functional Pilates practice is. How movement can improve and enhance through doing the Pilates method. There is nothing more rewarding than a client saying to you ‘do you know I can now garden without getting a sore back?!’. It’s the improvements clients can see in everyday life that I love the most.

TH: What is your unique flavour and approach to teaching Pilates?

JM: I come from a varied background in sports and fitness. This background has enabled me to understand and apply the Pilates concept. Sound and functional Pilates exercises are relevant to my clients' goals. This approach allows me to tailor the pilates sessions to suit and benefit my client's needs. At the same time, I can keep them interested and excited throughout the process.

TH: If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?

JM: I would be an Oak Tree. An oak tree has a strong and comforting presence. It can weather the storms and continue to stand strong and tall. While also providing shelter and shade for seedlings to be able to flourish and grow.