NUTRITION Under the spotlight In the first of a new series the Journal asks training providers who

offer courses outside the mainstream how they became involved in their work and what inspires them…..

Christine North-Minchella, Director of Professional Fitness & Education and Co-Director of Modern Pilates. Name of courses: Specialist Pilates How did you get involved in this particular discipline? Before coming into fitness I also trained as a dancer and many of the exercises, unbeknown to me at the time, were Pilates-based. When the Jane Fonda boom

started I was inspired to set up my own classes based on my dance knowledge. I certainly was not qualified to do this! I went on to train with the YMCA before becoming a tutor/ assessor and then going on to get my

certificate of education and degree in health and exercise studies.

Why are you passionate about it? Pilates has opened the door for many people to enter into exercise, especially those who do not feel comfortable in a gym environment or feel intimidated by high energy classes. Modern Pilates is taught in a slow, controlled and caring way and it appeals to a broad range of men and women including those who are overweight, unfit, recovering from an injury or have been referred by a specialist. How can this benefit REPs members? We have combined the original works of Joseph Pilates with the best modern research and knowledge of fitness, exercise, and core stability, to create a scientific and educationally sound programme for fitness and health professionals. Our programme also has a clinical approach which means our students can develop that as well as teaching in a studio environment. How important do you think it is for different types of exercise to be available for people? Very important indeed. Exercise and movement should be available for everyone at all levels since they enhance wellbeing. Exercise comes in all guises from walking on a day out, attending a dance class, working out in a gym or attending Pilates classes. Many Pilates sessions are now being set up in village and church halls - literally taking exercise into the community.

www.exerciseregister.org

Gill Stewart - Programme Director of Nordic Walking UK/ Exercise Anywhere. Name of course: Nordic and Fitness Walking Instructor How did you get involved in this particular discipline? My background is physical activity promotion and health club membership retention and I have always found innovative outdoor programmes helped to inspire people to both start exercising and keep doing so! Nordic walking is the ultimate discipline in this field because it can be adapted to all markets, it is portable, cost-effective and gets results – it’s the simplest solution to so many issues. Why are you passionate about it? As soon as I tried it in Europe, I knew that if we developed the correct training and programmes for instructors, that this discipline could be used for everything from rehabilitation to advanced coaching for athletes. The results people get really inspire me. How can this benefit REPs members? They will gain the ability to deliver an adaptable discipline that works for all fitness levels and gets rapid results. They will also be inspired by the added benefit of outdoor exercise and how it can engage even the most hardened non- exerciser! How important do you think it is for different types of exercise to be available for people?

Absolutely vital, we see hundreds of enquiries a week from people who know they should do something but just can’t relate to traditional exercise offerings - as an industry we have to listen to these messages and provide solutions.

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SPOTLIGHT