Yoga & Pilates
Pilates
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's in Germany where he was a carpenter and gymnast. He invented Pilates as a rehabilitation program for prisioners of war and injured soldiers then further developed over ensuing decades with a dance/ballet focus.
Pilates classes focus on strength, muscle toning, body control, and flexibility, with the main emphasis being core strength. Pilates is a disciplined practice that when done regularly provides the greatest benefit.
Yoga
Yoga is a living tradition with origins likely dating back at least 5000 years to the ancient Vedic traditions of India. It is an evolving science of self-inquiry that offers a huge array of philosophies, tools and techniques developed over millennia. Some of these tools include meditation, pranayama, asana, mantra and philosophical study.
Yoga has the potential to work on body, mind and spirit. Classes can range from gentle and nourishing to challenging and sweaty. With all the variety, there is a class and a style for everyone. Yoga is great for reducing stress and allowing for greater relaxation. Once you get into Yoga though, you learn that it is so much more than just a physical practice. It is a philosophy, a passion and a way of life for many of those involved in Yoga. While you may be getting into yoga for the exercise, you may soon find yourself wrapped in the philosophy and spirituality that Yoga brings along with it.
Our Teachers
Holly Philpott
Fitness Professional | Pilates Instructor
Holly graduated from AUT in 1997 with a Bachelor of Communication Studies, however a lifelong passion for fitness and exercise led her back to AUT. In 2003 she graduated with a Diploma in Fitness Training. She followed this up with 2 years training towards full certification in Classical Pilates.
Holly has worked in Gyms and ran her own Pilates studio in Auckland for 12 years before being lucky enough to move to sunny Blenheim. She has worked extensively in one to one training sessions and also teaching classes and has also been enjoying teaching weekly Circuit/Hiit classes.
Andi Stringer
Yoga Teacher
Andrea returned to Blenheim with her husband and two young children after spending 6 years in Abu Dhabi. Andi’s passion is yoga and sharing this gift with others. She studied Occupational Therapy and has experience thats spanned both physical and mental health settings. Andi has completed teacher trainings in India and Bali in multi style and hatha with Noah Maze. Exploring different styles of yoga has helped her to find the style that really suits her way of teaching. Her classes are paced by breath, strong and encourage safe body alignment. Andi has been fortunate to practice with some fantastic teachers from all around the world and spent her pre children years practicing Mysore Ashtanga ...but now enjoys a more gentler and relaxed approach. Expect to experience calm music and the use of props to make postures accessible to EVERYbody and to help to deepen asanas. Pranayama and meditation will be weaved into all classes so you walk away feeling relaxed and energised.
Anna Thomas
Physiotherapist | Pilates Instructor
Anna developed an interest in Pilates whilst practicing overseas as a new graduate. Having personally managed a lower back injury through Pilates; on return to NZ she decided to complete further training in clinical Pilates.
Anna has experience in APPI and Stotts Pilates, and achieved master class level in DMA Clinical Pilates. Having taught locally in Marlborough for 15 years, Anna has been delighted to witness the growth of Pilates into the hugely popular, mainstream form of exercise it is today. Excellent for postural strength, stability and rehabilitation it is an integral component of Anna's clinical practice.
Laura Rowe
Yoga Teacher
Laura has joined us all the way from Texas, USA. She has been teaching yoga for 6 years, but fell in love with the practice in America over 10 years ago. She has taught internationally throughout the US, Australia and Southeast Asia, but recently made the move to call Marlborough home. Laura teaches a variety of styles from Power Vinyasa Flow to Yin and is excited to help you reach your goals.