Steff Affleck
My aim is to help others to discover how to improve physical health and well being through the progressive challenges that the huge repertoire of exercises provides...
...lengthening and strengthening muscles through controlled movement, improving posture and breathing and having fun!
Who I teach:
I have worked with clients from 10-85 years of age, couples/friends looking to get fitter together, triathletes, clients with scoliosis, Parkinsons, stroke, hip replacements, back/neck pain, pre and post natal, golfers, horse riders, brides-to-be, , GCSE PE students, office workers, builders, teachers...
I love the challenges that each client brings, and enjoy researching ways to help them improve their health, fitness and functionality.
How/where I teach:
Individual/private class (1:1 and duet classes),
Studio apparatus classes (small group class using Gratz and Balanced Body Pilates apparatus - Reformer, Cadillac, Barrel, Combi Chair and more)
Intermediate Reformer class
Classes are at the Studio in Barnt Green (www.coolpilates.co.uk), run by Director Andy Adamson, with whom I completed a 1 year full time apprenticeship. I continue to take Advanced Reformer classes with Andy, and to assist him in teaching studio classes.
I also teach mat classes in Barnt Green and Rowney Green.
History
From my teenage years I played and coached a wide variety of sports, including hockey and rugby, and I taught PE at a secondary school in Solihull for 8 years (Head of Department for 5 years) before retraining in 2006 to teach Pilates.
Having suffered with severe sciatica on four separate occasions since the age of 13 (when I had an operation to ease the nerve compression), I discovered that Pilates could help me 'listen' to my body and learn to avoid the debilitating effects of muscle spasm associated with prolapsed discs...and at the same time learn a more thoughtful and effective way to stay fit and healthy.
In June 2014 I was diagnosed with breast cancer; I had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and consider that pilates work helped me to keep functioning and working throughout my treatment.
Interests
In addition to Pilates, I returned to skiing in 2012/2013 after a 10 year break, and took up Taekwondo in 2012, gaining my 7th kup (red stripe belt) in June 2014.(http://www.vervemartialarts.co.uk/Entry-Detail/1-BROMSGROVE.html). In 2011 I tried horse riding and ballroom dancing, to gain an insight into these activities. I also enjoy cycling, swimming and walking with my family.
Education
Educational qualifications
BA (Joint Hons) (2:i) Physical Education and Psychology (University of Wales, Bangor, 1989)
PGCE Physical Education and Maths (University of Exeter, 1990)
Pilates Training
Foundation Certificate for Teachers of Pilates (Level 3, accredited through OCN, via the Oxford School of Pilates, assessed by Jane Paterson) via a 1 year full time apprenticeship with Andy Adamson at CoolPilates in Barnt Green (Jan-Dec 2006)
I would describe my initial training as 'Contemporary' (Andy completed some of his training with Alan Herdman and Jane Patterson). However, more recently I have gained experience in Classical Pilates with Amy Kellow, and my teaching increasingly reflects this.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - workshops led by other professionals (see separate page) CPD
...lengthening and strengthening muscles through controlled movement, improving posture and breathing and having fun!
Who I teach:
I have worked with clients from 10-85 years of age, couples/friends looking to get fitter together, triathletes, clients with scoliosis, Parkinsons, stroke, hip replacements, back/neck pain, pre and post natal, golfers, horse riders, brides-to-be, , GCSE PE students, office workers, builders, teachers...
I love the challenges that each client brings, and enjoy researching ways to help them improve their health, fitness and functionality.
How/where I teach:
Individual/private class (1:1 and duet classes),
Studio apparatus classes (small group class using Gratz and Balanced Body Pilates apparatus - Reformer, Cadillac, Barrel, Combi Chair and more)
Intermediate Reformer class
Classes are at the Studio in Barnt Green (www.coolpilates.co.uk), run by Director Andy Adamson, with whom I completed a 1 year full time apprenticeship. I continue to take Advanced Reformer classes with Andy, and to assist him in teaching studio classes.
I also teach mat classes in Barnt Green and Rowney Green.
History
From my teenage years I played and coached a wide variety of sports, including hockey and rugby, and I taught PE at a secondary school in Solihull for 8 years (Head of Department for 5 years) before retraining in 2006 to teach Pilates.
Having suffered with severe sciatica on four separate occasions since the age of 13 (when I had an operation to ease the nerve compression), I discovered that Pilates could help me 'listen' to my body and learn to avoid the debilitating effects of muscle spasm associated with prolapsed discs...and at the same time learn a more thoughtful and effective way to stay fit and healthy.
In June 2014 I was diagnosed with breast cancer; I had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and consider that pilates work helped me to keep functioning and working throughout my treatment.
Interests
In addition to Pilates, I returned to skiing in 2012/2013 after a 10 year break, and took up Taekwondo in 2012, gaining my 7th kup (red stripe belt) in June 2014.(http://www.vervemartialarts.co.uk/Entry-Detail/1-BROMSGROVE.html). In 2011 I tried horse riding and ballroom dancing, to gain an insight into these activities. I also enjoy cycling, swimming and walking with my family.
Education
Educational qualifications
BA (Joint Hons) (2:i) Physical Education and Psychology (University of Wales, Bangor, 1989)
PGCE Physical Education and Maths (University of Exeter, 1990)
Pilates Training
Foundation Certificate for Teachers of Pilates (Level 3, accredited through OCN, via the Oxford School of Pilates, assessed by Jane Paterson) via a 1 year full time apprenticeship with Andy Adamson at CoolPilates in Barnt Green (Jan-Dec 2006)
I would describe my initial training as 'Contemporary' (Andy completed some of his training with Alan Herdman and Jane Patterson). However, more recently I have gained experience in Classical Pilates with Amy Kellow, and my teaching increasingly reflects this.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - workshops led by other professionals (see separate page) CPD
