I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with exercise. I absolutely love the way it makes me feel, both in my body and in my brain, but actually finding the motivation can be tough sometimes. Who else feels me? But I love discovering new exercises to find out what works for me, and in the past, I’ve tried Zumba, trampolining, pole fitness, and so many other things. And one form of exercise that’s crossed my mind in the past is Pilates, so to find out more about it, I decided to chat to today’s Indie Tees Collective feature.
We’ve got lots of indie fitness teachers across our area, but one of the top Pilates instructors in FJB Pilates. She offers accessible classes, both online and in person, and tailors her classes to suit all abilities, so even if you’re a newbie, you can give it a go. Want to know more? Keep reading!
Hello! Let’s start with a bit of an introduction. Who are you and what is your business all about?
Hello! I’m Fliss and I started FJB Pilates just over 2 years ago. I run Pilates classes for all skill levels and abilities, both in person and online. I offer group classes and 1-1 sessions, and also have a subscriptions service for on-demand Pilates content. I also recently launched my own brand of Pilates activewear!
Where did the inspiration for FJB Pilates come from? What made you want to kickstart it?
My background is in Dance and Psychology, and I wanted to work with people to help them reconnect with their bodies through movement. We spend so much of our time only noticing our bodies when we are in pain or something isn’t right, and I want to help people discover how amazing they can be with just a little effort in the right direction, regardless of ability or skill level! I am also hugely passionate about the use of exercise to increase mental wellbeing, and Pilates is great for developing mindfulness and reducing stress/anxiety.
For everyone who isn’t aware, can you explain exactly what Pilates is?
Pilates, previously known as Contrology, was a practice pioneered by Joseph Pilates in the 1930s. As a child, Pilates was frail and therefore turned to various sports in order to improve his condition. During the war, he combined elements of martial arts and gymnastics to form his own training technique to be delivered to his fellow internees to maintain their fitness levels. The aim of the technique was to develop the deep postural musculature and promote core stability. Along with his wife, Clara, he set up his first fitness studio in New York working alongside the New York City Ballet. The studio saw the likes of elite ballet dancers, actors and athletes through its doors, wanting to build strength without adding bulk and to find a mind-body connection.
Until the late 1990s, Pilates remained unknown to the general public, now an estimated 25 million partake in Pilates in the USA and one million in the UK. Pilates in now taught in dozens of forms which reflects the work of Joseph Pilates.
What can someone expect from your Pilates classes?
A typical Pilates class will utilise a series of particular movements to develop strength, flexibility and coordination, as well as reduce stress, improve mental focus and enhance wellbeing. Pilates is suitable for everyone as exercises can be adapted and modified to suit an individual’s skill level.There are six main principles in Pilates which form the foundation of the system:
- Breath
- Concentration
- Centre
- Control
- Precision
- Flow
What do you enjoy most about running FJB Pilates?
Connecting with my clients and seeing them flourish! The reason I set up the business was to help people gain confidence in their movement and bodies, whether that be reducing lower back pain, recovery from pregnancy or simply feeling that they are stronger and more in control of how they move. It is an absolute joy to help people reach their goals and watch them succeed in ways they didn’t think they could.
What has been FJB Pilates’ biggest achievement so far?
I would say working in partnership with British Blind Sport to develop both live and pre-recorded content for those with visual impairment. I have been working with them now for over a year and we have engaged with lots of new individuals who otherwise might have found it difficult to participate in a typical Pilates class environment. I now have my own dedicated class specifically for those with vision impairment which is audio-led.
What’s next for FJB Pilates? What do you hope for the future?
Oh gosh, what is next?! I would love to continue to build the brand and get more classes going for specialist groups, such as pre and postnatal Pilates and really supporting women’s health. I am passionate about the support women receive both during pregnancy and afterwards, and how Pilates can help prepare and rehabilitate the body. More research, more learning and training to help deliver this!
And finally, recommend one other Teesside independent to us!
There are so many wonderful ones! How to choose!? I have to say Illustrated Identity for the brilliant job they did on my rebrand and the designs for my clothing range – they are just incredible!
I’ll be the first to say that I’ve never done Pilates in my life (I do enjoy a bit of yoga though!), but hearing from Fliss has really made me interested! I like that it can benefit the body and mind, which are things that we should take care of in equal measures. Are you ready to book your session? Find out how by checking out FJB Pilates on Facebook or Instagram, or take a look at her website for online videos and the activewear shop.
Make sure you check back next week for another incredible Teesside independent!
