ABOUT PILATES WITH POLLY
I am Polly Bailey, a 45 year old mother of one demanding 10 years old!.
I have worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years. But more recently set up my own community classes in Mid Kent, specialising in Pilates, Paracise™ and water based classes as well as focusing on low back pain management.
During my childhood I always loved swimming and managed to reach county level. My passion for swimming lead me on to teach others to swim, qualifying with the ASA as a Level 2 Swimming Teacher as well completing my Level 2 YMCA Fitness Instructor qualification. Whilst teaching, I studied Sports Science at Greenwich University qualifying 1998 with a BSc (Hons).
After having a successful but demanding 15 year career, I became quite unwell and suffered significantly with low back pain which resulted in me being diagnosed with Facet Joint Syndrome, Degenerative Disc Disease and subsequently Osteoarthritis of the Lumbar spine.
I had treatment which kept the pain at bay for a limited amount of time, but then I was recommended Pilates. I was hooked!! It meant I could continue working and took very little time off work.
I thought it would be a good idea to take a course in Pilates, so I could teach it to others, I qualified with HFE in Level 3 Diploma in Mat Pilates in May 2013, but did not start out teaching straight away as I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and this affected the way I managed my day, fitness levels, weight and pain (specifically relating to my lower back pain).
In November 2013 I changed career completely and decided that the best place for me and my body was to be in the pool. I started teaching swimming to children and adults of all abilities in the Maidstone area, and further developed my skills into water-based classes from which I am fully qualified.
In 2017, I was given the opportunity to start teaching Pilates. I had only used my qualification with family and friends and for my own health benefits until now. I have not looked back. I have now have over 2000 hours of experience and teach regularly round the Maidstone area at different venues, and currently online (due to the Covid-19 pandemic).
I want to offer people the same opportunities I had, Pilates has brought me back to good health and significantly reduced my pain levels over time.
I am now happily based in Wales and enjoying the scenery. I am continuing to hold online classes and the occasional Retreat in Maidstone, please keep an eye on updates.
I hope you will join me and discover the benefits for yourself
Polly
BENEFITS OF PILATES
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Improved posture
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Improved balance
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Greater kinaesthetic awareness
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Improved flexibility
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Greater joint mobility
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Increased joint stability
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Greater core stability/ strength
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Flatter stomach
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Improved coordination
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Reduced stress levels
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Stronger pelvic floor
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Increased efficiency of respiratory and circulatory systems
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Improved lymphatic drainage associated with deep breathing
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Stronger immune system
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Reduced lower back
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Increased muscular strength/ endurance/ tone.
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Reduced risk of injury
QUALIFICATIONS
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BSc (Hons) Sport Science (Greenwich University)
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YMCA L2 - Fitness Instructor
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CYQ L3 - Diploma in Teaching Pilates
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CYQ L3 - Anatomy and Physiology
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YMCA L2 - Certificate in Water Based Exercise
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Active IQ L3 - Award in Designing Pre and Post Natal Exercise Programmes
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YMCA L3 - Award in Adapting Exercise for Independently Active, Older Person
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YMCA L3 - Diploma in Exercise Referral
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ITEC L3 - Holistic and Sports Massage
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Active IQ L4 - Certificate in Physical Activity and Lifestyle Strategies for Managing Low Back Pain
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L2 - Hydrorider Aqua Cycling Certificate
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Certificate in Paracise™
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Team ICG - Indoor Cycling Certification
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Member of CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity)
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Public Liability Insurance with EMD
