Leone demonstrating spinal side flexion with an inside thigh stretch.
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A pilates instructor who delivers classes throughout Kintyre and Argyll has been forced to cancel all 20 of her weekly classes as a result of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Leone Shaw Tulloch, who runs LST Pilates, was determined to support her clients though and is now running online classes.
‘It was a shock to suddenly hear we were in lockdown,’ Leone told the Campbeltown Courier.
‘Businesses across the country were faced with an unknown scenario. I heard about it from Lochgilphead clients who were attending a class after the announcement was made. Suddenly we had to stop. All 20 weekly classes were cancelled immediately and indefinitely.’
Leone described the news as ‘devastating’ not only because LST Pilates is a business which provides her sole source of income, but also because it meant her clients would lose a form of exercise on which they relied.
She said: ‘It suddenly became more important to keep everyone moving because of our isolation. Many of my clients have been practising pilates for many years and rely on their weekly class not only as a way to exercise and keep their spine and joints moving, but also to socialise. Many blethers and funny stories are shared during classes.’
Leone, who says she is a great believer in the mantra ‘No problems only solutions’, added: ‘With help from my governing body, Body Control Pilates, my insurers and my clients, 13 weekly live online classes are now up and running, and for those unable to attend or with poor WiFi, I have put together YouTube videos.
‘We are now socialising and practising online. One class starts with a joke every week, beautifully articulated by Margaret Nimmo, then we descend into chaos as jokes and puns fly around.
‘Thankfully the MS Centre class is continuing for those with chronic pain and challenges. The Gigha ladies now also have their own session. I was unable to continue before but because of the wonders of Zoom, we have picked up where we left off four years ago.’
Leone delivering equipment to clients prior to full lockdown.
Leone added she is regrettably unable to take on any new clients as she has to physically be in the room to observe movement and alignment with all new-starts, but she has put together a video to introduce the fundamentals of pilates, with a few spinal and joint movements to help stay flexible.
Anyone wishing to watch the video should email leone@lstpilates.co.uk to request the link.
Demonstrating ‘Teaser’ from the Joseph Pilates Classical Series on the beach.
Leone said: ‘To stay healthy physically and mentally we all need to keep moving and there are so many resources out there at the moment.
‘The ideal mix of exercise should include the following: weight-bearing exercise such as walking, Tai Chi or running; strengthening repetitive movement using your own body weight and/or physical weights; spinal, core and holistic movement such as pilates or yoga; cardiovascular exercises like power walking, running and cycling. Swimming is also great, but difficult at the moment.
‘Whatever your circumstances are, your own physical and mental well-being is paramount. Look after yourself, spend some time each day doing something for yourself. Without your health how can you help others?’
For more information about pilates, visit Leone’s website at www.lstpilates.co.uk
