classes
 

Home

FREE BOOK

Videos

Photos

Press

Articles

Animals

Writing

Classes

Bellydance

Pilates

Yoga

Contact

Classes

NEXT
Bellydance course
starts 25 May!

Bellydance

Dancing adds richness to your everyday life and a touch of excitement to the working week.

If you're in Sydney Australia now is the perfect time to begin because I have new Bellydance classes in Pagewood (eastern suburbs) to fit everyone’s budget. To make classes affordable for all, I've created a loyalty program which means regular discounts, and will also have half-price specials throughout the year.

What better way to spend Saturday morning than in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere sharing the joy of dance with other women?

Get an energising, thorough workout while at the same time learning to move gracefully to mystical, ancient rhythms. No dance experience is needed, so take this rare opportunity to start your weekend off getting fit the fun way!

Click here for info and to reserve your place: Bellydance classes. 

Dreaming Of Jeannie Bellydance
classes have started up again!

Venue: My Gym Health & Fitness
Westfield Eastgardens, Pagewood
(eastern suburbs in Sydney)

Although just new, the classes are already
very popular, so come join in the fun!

Details here:
Eastern suburbs Bellydance classes

All classes I teach are beginner-friendly and non-judgemental. I teach private classes for Bellydance, Pilates, and Yoga. If you're not in Sydney, Australia, I can teach via Skype. Go the Contact page and call or email me for a chat.

I teach Bellydancing at My Gym Health & Fitness which is in Pagewood (eastern suburbs).

Pagewood is not far from: Mascot, Botany, Maroubra, Chifley, Malabar, Little Bay, La Perouse, Coogee, Randwick, Kingsford, Kensington, Moore Park, Rosebery, Banksmeadow, Daceyville, Hillsdale, Matraville, Phillip Bay.

"I got my groove back through Bellydancing!

 I’ve always been active doing distance running,
but six months after my surgery from breast cancer
I was struggling to get back to full fitness. I suffered
from sudden slumps in energy and dizziness.
I was getting frustrated and thought I would
never get back to my energetic pre-surgery self.

 Then I started Bellydance classes with Despina!

Learning the isolated movements of shimmies,
slides, and bumps allowed me to slowly get my
groove back! My energy level is up. Now I am
back to running again, though not the full
distance but I know I’m going to get there.

 Bellydance is a fun activity and a total-body
exercise. My husband encourages me to keep
on doing it as he directly benefits from
my rediscovered energy!” - Maria A
 

I teach Yoga and Pilates at the following Sydney gyms:

  • Bodyshape Gym Sans Souci

  • Canterbury Aquatic & Fitness Centre

  • Fernwood Rockdale

  • Lifestyle Fitness Carlton

  • Lifestyle Fitness Marrickville

  • Lifestyle Fitness Erskineville

  • Live Well Health & Fitness Kogarah

  • My Gym Health & Fitness Pagewood

  • Pure Yoga Peakhurst

  • Souths Juniors Gym Kingsford

(Note that while all care is taken, it's the student’s responsibility to adjust their level of exercise in accordance with their own limitations to ensure no injury occurs.)

"All your fantastic teaching paid off at the wedding. I knew exactly what to do and could dance with confidence -
it was just awesome!" - Jane K
 

bellydance classes

Bellydance Class Details

Enjoy the most fun form of fitness all year round: Bellydance!

All ages are welcome, and the classes are beginner-friendly and non-judgemental.

Reserve your place now! Get in touch with Despina via the Contact page.

Start Dates 2013

  • Saturday, 2 March

  • Saturday, 13 April

  • Saturday, 25 May

  • Saturday, 6 July

  • Saturday, 17 August

  • Saturday, 28 September

  • Saturday, 9 November

Venue

My Gym Health & Fitness (Pagewood, Eastgardens)
Westfield Eastgardens Shopping Centre
152 Bunnerong Rd, Pagewood (eastern suburbs).

The staff at reception will direct you to the fitness studio upstairs where the classes are held. And the room is fabulous! It's spacious, clean, air-conditioned, and has a great sound system.

(Note: you don't need to be a member of the gym to come to the classes. However, you can’t use the gym facilities if you enrol in the Bellydance classes. I’m hiring the room from the gym and so these classes are essentially separate to the rest of the facility. If you want to use the gym you must pay the gym directly.)

Day, Time And Price

Course details are:

  • Saturday 11.45am beginners technique (1 hour)
    $100 for the 6 week course

  • Saturday 12.45pm beginners choreography (½ hour)
    $50 for the 6 week course

You may choose to attend classes casually. Casual prices are $20 for the 11.45am class and $10 for 12.45pm class.

11.45am Beginners Technique Class

This class is suitable for anyone. No experience in any type of dance is required. All you need is a good attitude and the desire to have some fun.

12.45pm Beginners Choreography Class

This class is suitable for anyone enrolled in the beginner technique (11.45am) class. While the choreography itself is beginner level, it's based on the techniques learnt in the 11.45am class. This class strongly consolidates what is learnt in the technique class and you'll therefore improve rapidly doing both classes back to back.

"I really look forward to your Bellydancing classes
each week - you're a great teacher!" - Sarah B
 

Be Quick!

Although new, these classes are very popular. To ensure you don’t miss out, reserve your spot by paying for the course/s in full.

It’s first in first served, so hurry: go the Contact page and call or email Despina to save your place.

No Need For A Gym Membership

Remember, that whether you choose to enrol in a course or come casually, you don't need to be a member of the gym where the classes are held.

Class Rules

There are three basic class rules:

  • Be on time by arriving a few minutes before class starts.

  • Turn your phone off during class.

  • Enjoy yourself: you're not there to be perfect but to learn and have fun!

Courses Are Finite

In other words, a 6 week enrolment is not valid forever. The 6 classes are only valid for the duration of the 6 week course you've enrolled into.

Transfers

If you fall ill and are unable to do the 6 week course you've paid for, your enrolment can be transferred to the following 6 week course. To do this, you must present a medical certificate stating the reason you cannot do the current 6 week course.

If, for medical reasons, you can't do the following 6 week course, you can present a medical certificate stating why so as to pass your enrolment on to a friend.

"Bellydance is very fun but challenging.

It is easy to shake your body but requires strong
discipline to control your moves, isolate parts
of your body, and perform well-defined movements.

I have been taking classes for almost one-and-a-half
years with Despina, and as a result my technique
has improved super-quickly.

 Despina is great instructor. She is very precise
and her technique is supreme. On top of that she
has very nice sense of humour and her classes
are very fun and affordable." -  Rima R-K
 

Refunds

There are no refunds for class fees.

Course Start Dates For 2013

  • 2 March

  • 13 April

  • 25 May

  • 6 July

  • 17 August

  • 28 September

  • 9 November

Disclaimer

While all care is taken by the teacher it's the student’s responsibility to adjust their level of exercise in accordance with their own limitations to ensure no injury occurs.

Dreaming Of Jeannie Bellydance reserves the right to have a replacement teacher instruct if Despina (the regular teacher) is unwell, or cancel if no replacement teacher is available. All effort will be made to avoid cancellations, but if the occasion does arise, as much warning as possible will be given

Dress Code

Wear comfortable exercise clothes.

Equipment

None - just bring yourself and a smile!

Reserve Your Place!

These classes are new but already extremely popular. To ensure you don’t miss out on the fun, reserve your spot by paying for the course/s in full.

It’s first in first served, so hurry: go the Contact page and call or email Despina to save your place.

belly dance classes

Fees

Types Of Classes I Can Teach

I teach classes at gyms, private classes at my home, and group workshops for events such as: corporate gatherings (eg. for team-building workshops), hen's parties (just for fun), wedding rehearsals (to teach the members of the wedding party how to dance in preparation for the big day!).

I teach a flowing style of Yoga and dynamic Pilates. As far as dance goes, my specialty is Bellydance, which I can teach to a performance level. But I can also teach a beginner level in the following: Greek dance, classical Indian, Bollywood, Southern African, and Latin (Salsa, Merenque).

Get a quote by phone or email via the Contact page.

Fees For One-Hour Classes

Weekly group classes at a workplace start from $100.

A one-off group class fee starts from $200.

For private classes at your home, fees start from $100.

For private classes in my home it's $50 for one or two people.

What Fees Depend On

Besides private classes in my home which are always the same rate, fees for other classes depend on: the day of the week, whether it's night or day, and travel time.

Cancellation Fee For All Classes

If I turn up and class is cancelled, the cancellation fee is half of the agreed price.

Why Private Lessons Are So Effective

One hour of private tuition is the equivalent of around four group classes. In other words, you progress much more quickly in private tuition than when learning in a group.

And remember you don't have to do weekly private classes - they can be fortnightly or monthly. As long as you're diligent about practising at home, private lessons are definitely worth the time and money as they provide quick and successful learning.

Private tuition is most suitable if:

  • You're a motivated learner who will practice at home.
  • You learn better with the teacher's undivided attention.
  • You're a serious student who is already attending group classes but would like private tuition tailored to your needs in order to improve rapidly.
  • (Specifically for dance:) You're a non-dancer who has an upcoming function where you must dance - having a few private classes beforehand will be just the trick to ensure you're dancing up a storm on the night!

Call or email Despina via the Contact page to chat about your requirements.

 

 

FAQs: Bellydance

Sydney belly dance classes

Why Bellydance?

Simple: because Bellydancing is the most fun way to trim down and shape up!

Even better, Bellydance is suitable for any age, shape, and fitness level. Also, being low impact means it's a very safe form of exercise. Bellydancing is great for toning and strengthening your whole body: you'll find that Bellydancing is fun yet challenging, and kind to the body while still giving you an excellent workout.

Remember:

  • The focus of Bellydance classes is enjoyment.
  • All shapes are welcome - so whether you’re slim or curvy, tall or small, you are the perfect shape for Bellydance class.
  • All ages and fitness levels are welcome.

How Will Bellydance Benefit Me?

Doing regular Bellydance classes will mean you’ll look and feel better. But the best thing about Bellydance is that it’s 100% fun and, let’s face it, who couldn’t do with more fun in life?

What Are The Bellydance Classes Like?

My Bellydance classes are fun and there’s no pressure to compete with anyone. We work hard to ensure an increase in fitness, but you can reduce the intensity to suit your needs.

What Experience Do I Need To Do A Bellydance Class?

No experience at all. Just bring yourself, a positive attitude, and a smile!

What you’ll discover quickly is that Bellydance isn’t necessarily as easy as it looks. The good news is that, while it’s not always easy, it’s always fun. Remember there's no pressure to get everything right immediately - like anything new it takes time to improve, but with persistence you will most certainly progress. Stick with it and you will get better and better.

What Can I Expect In A Bellydance Class?

What we do in class depends what the level of the class is. Here’s a brief rundown:

  • Beginners learn basic technique, basic combinations, and basic choreographies.
  • Beyond Beginners expand on what they've learnt during beginners class, and students start to use props (ie. veil, fan veils, Isis wings, stick, tambourine, zills).

Note: right now I’m only teaching Beginners classes: Saturday 11.45am (beginners technique) and Saturday 12.45pm (beginners choreography). As soon as the time is right, I’ll put on a Beyond Beginners class.

Should I Be Fashionably Late To Bellydance Class?

No, it’s highly unfashionable to be late to any fitness class for two reasons: one, it’s discourteous both to the teacher and your fellow students; and two, you don’t want to risk injury by missing out on the warm up.

What Should I Wear To A Bellydance Class?

Wear comfortable exercise gear - whatever you’d normally wear to the gym is fine.

Can I Still Do Bellydance If I'm Uncoordinated?

Don’t worry if you’ve got two left feet - your coordination will gradually increase as the weeks go by.

Can I Still Do Bellydance If I'm Overweight?

People of all shapes and sizes attend Bellydancing classes so, yes, you can do Bellydancing if you’re overweight. Don’t be worried about being overweight - no one will judge you on your body shape. My classes are very friendly, non-jugdemental, and all-inclusive. I guarantee you’ll be greeted with smiles no matter what you look like.

Can I Still Do Bellydancing If I’m A Late Starter?

It’s never too early or too late to start Bellydancing. So,no, it doesn't matter what age you are.

Can I Still Do Bellydance If I Have An Injury?

As long as your health professional gives you the go-ahead, you are most welcome to come to Bellydance class, injuries and all.

On the topic of safety please note that, you, the participant, are responsible for ensuring that you’re physically and medically fit for class. During class you must, at all times, take care of your own personal safety - and that includes listening carefully to my instructions. Note also that Bellydance classes - like all physical pursuits - do involve some risk of personal injury and, while I take all reasonable care in the conduct of my classes, I can’t accept responsibility for injury caused during class.

Can I Still Do Bellydancing If I'm Pregnant?

If you were Bellydancing before you got pregnant and your doctor says you can continue your regular activities, then you should have no problem dancing throughout your pregnancy. What you must do, however, is let me know that you’re pregnant, as there are some moves that should be done gently if you are pregnant.

On the other hand, if you haven’t Bellydanced before, it’s probably best to wait until after the baby comes to start. Even if you're active in other forms of exercise, starting something completely new is not advisable when you’re in a delicate state such as pregnancy. While it’s unlikely that anything bad will happen, it’s best not to take the risk.

What If I Hate Exercise? Should I Even Bother With Bellydance?

There tend to be a lot of exercise-haters attending Bellydance classes. The reason is that they find that - unlike other forms of exercise - they enjoy Bellydancing so much that it doesn’t really feel like exercise at all.

So, yes, definitely bother coming to Bellydance class if you generally hate exercise. You'll not only be in good company, but you'll no doubt find that you love Bellydancing despite the fact that it's exercise.

And Finally…

If you have any more questions you can get in touch with me via the Contact page.

I hope to shimmy with you some time soon - see you in class!

learn how to belly dance

FAQs: Yoga

Why Yoga?

Because the physical and mental benefits of Yoga are countless.

Yoga involves low-impact movements and postures which increase flexibility, and tone and strengthen your entire body. In my opinion, Yoga will benefit you more than any other physical pursuit - least of all for its physical payoffs which are plenty, but for its mental benefits.

Yoga Is:

  • Great for toning the muscles and improving flexibility.
  • A challenging workout where you're also encouraged to rest when you need to.
  • Not just a physical workout, but includes meditation and relaxation techniques that will enhance your life and reduce your stress levels.

Regular Participation In Yoga Classes:

  • Increases fitness.
  • Strengthens your muscles.
  • Reduces overall stress levels.
  • Enhances your psychological well-being.

Remember:

  • All shapes are welcome.
  • All ages are welcome.
  • All fitness levels are welcome.

How Will Yoga Benefit Me?

With dedicated practice of Yoga, you’ll not only feel better physically, but also mentally.

And that's because Yoga is not just a physical exercise - it supports your psychological health through meditation and relaxation. It’s the meditation and relaxation aspects of Yoga that help to ease stress, clear the mind, and develop a more positive and loving attitude to yourself and the world around you.

What Are Yoga Classes Like?

My Yoga classes are welcoming and pressure-free. There is no competition between participants, and you can reduce the intensity of the practice whenever you need to.

Like anything new, Yoga can be a little daunting at first, but with persistence you will learn - and the immense benefits of Yoga are worth pushing through the difficult first stages. In time you’ll be pleasantly rewarded seeing your body and mind improve.

What Experience Do I Need To Do A Yoga Class?

None at all.

But remember to give yourself a chance: don’t just try one class and decide you can’t do it - of course you can’t do it, you’ve only just started! Give it some time and give Yoga a good go.

What Can I Expect In A Yoga Class?

I try to use a variety of poses week by week so that students are constantly challenged. Although all classes aim to be challenging, the choice is yours as to how hard you feel you should work that day based on your needs at the time.

Should I Be Fashionably Late To Yoga Class?

No, absolutely not.

Being on time is a courtesy to your teacher and to your fellow students. Being late means that you miss out on some or all of the warm up. which is not a safe way to practice Yoga. Preparing the body is all-important to reduce the risk of injury in Yoga (or any type of physical activity), so be there for the start of class.

Do I Need Any Equipment To Participate In Yoga Classes?

You’ll definitely need to invest in a good quality Yoga mat.

What Should I Wear To A Yoga Class?

  • For the bottom half: NO to skirts, dresses, jeans, baggy pants. YES to dance pants, fitted track pants, leggings, shorts.
  • For the top half: NO to anything big and baggy. YES to fitted t-shirts or singlets, tank tops, leotards.
  • For the feet: NO to any type of shoe. YES to bare feet (ideally, bring socks to wear during the relaxation segment of the class at the end).

NOTE: The preference for fitted clothes is for safety reasons. I can clearly see what you’re doing and fix incorrect technique. You’ll also be able to move more easily wearing fitted clothes - baggy clothes an ride up and down and can get in the way of movement. And for the feet, being barefoot means you can take advantage of the stickiness of the mat to execute the Yoga poses well.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I’m Uncoordinated?

Yoga requires no coordination.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I’m Overweight?

People of all shapes and sizes can attend class, so there’s no need to worry about looking a certain way - my classes are very friendly and no one will judge you on your body shape.

You’ll see the difference in your body quite quickly by coming to class every week. Not only that, you’ll find that the positive mental attitude fostered through Yoga will mean you’re feeling better psychologically too.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I’m Not Fit?

You don’t need to start off being fit as you’ll attain fitness through regular practice of Yoga. In fact, if you come to class week after week, you’ll be hard-pressed to avoid getting fitter.

Yoga works all your muscles, plus it will help you make improvements to your mental health through the relaxation and meditation techniques that are practiced during class. Improving the health of your mind will unquestionably help improve the health of your body.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I’m A Late Starter?

It’s never too early or late to start practicing Yoga and enjoying the vast benefits a dedicated Yoga practice brings.

Can I Still Do Yoga If I Have An Injury?

You can still participate in a Yoga class if you're injured IF your health professional has given you the go-ahead to do so.

On the subject of safety, please note that Yoga classes - like any physical pursuit - do involve some risk of personal injury. While I take all reasonable care in the conduct of my classes, I can’t accept responsibility for injury caused during class. You, as the participant, are responsible for ensuring that you're physically and medically fit to safely practice Yoga, that you listen carefully to my instructions, and that you take care of your own personal safety during class.

Can I Still Practice Yoga If I’m Pregnant?

If you were practicing Yoga before you got pregnant and your doctor says you can continue your regular activities, then you should have no problem practicing gentle Yoga all the way through your pregnancy. A modification you must make, however, is to completely avoid backbends and twists.

On the other hand, if you haven’t practiced Yoga before, it’s probably best to wait until after the baby comes to start classes. Even if you are active in other forms of exercise, starting something completely new is not advisable when you’re in a delicate state such as pregnancy.

Yogic Mythbusting!

There are many myths and misconceptions about Yoga. One is that it’s just about stretching. Another is that you have to be flexible to attempt Yoga. And, last but not lease, that Yoga’s easy.

Let’s look at those misconceptions one by one to give you an idea of what not to expect in class (which will ultimately give you an idea about what you can expect in a Yoga class!).

Misconception 1: Yoga’s Just About Stretching

I should point out first that Yoga is about stretching - but, it’s not just about stretching. It’s about strength too.

Dedicated Yogis and Yoginis are extremely (and sometimes mind-bogglingly) strong. So if plain old stretching isn’t your thing, Yoga might be just what you’ve been looking for: because it combines stretching with strength work, making it infinitely more challenging and beneficial than a basic stretch class.

Misconception 2: You Have To Be Flexible To Attempt Yoga

You needn’t be flexible before starting Yoga in the same way that you don’t need to lose weight before joining a gym. It works the other way around! With dedicated weekly practice, Yoga will - without a doubt - make you more flexible.

Misconception 3: Yoga’s Easy

Let me assure you that Yoga is not easy. Don’t expect to just roll around on the floor, breathing through your navel, and meditating on your ovaries. No, my friend - there’s much work to be done in a Yoga class and you will find it a challenging and rejuvenating experience.

So What Is Yoga In That Case?

Put simply, Yoga is the ultimate workout of both body and mind.

And I say that not as a Yoga teacher, but as someone who’s a big fan of many areas of fitness. You’ll find me participating in a variety of physical pursuits: happily punching away in a boxing class, pitting muscle against metal in the gym, walking my dogs, riding my bike, et cetera. I love it all!

But as a teacher and participant of a variety of physical disciplines, Yoga has to take the cake as the workout of workouts because the added meditation and relaxation develops the most important ‘muscle’ in your body: your mind.

Time To Try Yoga!

You’ll find that Yoga will increase your strength, and stretch your muscles, but - best of all - it will also decrease your stress and ease your mind. Meet the Yoga challenge - your body and mind will love you for it.

And Finally…

If you have any more questions please get in touch with me by phone or email via the Contact page.

I hope to meet you some time soon - see you on the mat!

 

FAQs: Pilates

Why Pilates?

The physical benefits of Pilates are incredible. Pilates involves low-impact exercises which will tone your body and strengthen your muscles. Pilates will enhance your abilities in other sports you do and in the daily activities of your life.

Pilates is:

  • Awesome for toning and strength.
  • A challenging workout, but you can work at your own pace.
  • Ideal for when you’re rehabilitating from injury.
  • Excellent in strengthening the all-important pelvic floor muscles.
Regular Participation In Pilates Classes:
  • Strengthens every muscle you’ve got.
  • Shapes your body.
  • Will reduce or eliminate lower back pain.
  • Will make your stomach flatter.

Remember:

  • All shapes are welcome.
  • All ages are welcome.
  • All fitness levels are welcome.

How Will Pilates Benefit Me?

Firstly, Pilates can radically change your body shape, and your body-confidence will skyrocket as a result.

Secondly, the activities in your life - be they work or play - will be improved immeasurably by Pilates. Whether you’re an elite athlete, a homemaker with kids to chase after, a sedentary office worker, a labourer, or whatever, no matter what you do Pilates will help you do it better.

What Are Pilates Classes Like?

My classes are non-judgmental, beginner-friendly, with a non-competitive and welcoming atmosphere. You are invited and encouraged to rest or reduce the intensity of any exercise whenever you need to.

What Experience Do I Need To Do A Pilates Class?

None at all. Just come along and give it a go. But please, don’t just try one class and decide you can’t do it - of course you can’t do it, you’ve only just started! Persist with Pilates and you'll be greatly rewarded.

What Can I Expect In A Pilates Class?

If you’re looking for a soft, relaxed workout, then you’ll need to look elsewhere as I teach a dynamic, challenging class. Having said that, you're encouraged (no matter how experienced you are) to use common sense, listen to your body, and rest whenever you need to.

Should I Be Fashionably Late To A Pilates Class?

Two words of advice on this: don’t be.

It's courteous, both to your teacher and the other participants, to be on time. And being there for the entire duration of the class is the safest way to do Pilates, so be there for the start of class.

Do I Need Any Equipment To Participate In Pilates Class?

You’ll definitely need to invest in a Yoga mat. And I say a Yoga mat rather than a Pilates mat, because a Pilates mat tends to be too spongy for my liking. It will also mean that if you get into Yoga too, the mat can serve two purposes.

What Should I Wear To A Pilates Class?

  • For the bottom half: NO to skirts, dresses, jeans, baggy pants. YES to dance pants, fitted track pants, leggings, shorts.
  • For the top half: NO to anything big and baggy. YES to fitted t-shirts or singlets, tank tops, leotards.
  • For the feet: NO to any type of shoe. YES to bare feet.

NOTE: The preference for fitted clothes is for safety reasons - I can clearly see what you’re doing and fix incorrect technique. You’ll also be able to move more easily - baggy clothes can ride up and down and can get in the way of movement. And for the feet, being barefoot means you can take advantage of the stickiness of the mat and perform the exercises to the best of your ability.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m Uncoordinated?

Pilates requires very little co-ordination, so yes, being uncoordinated is not a problem.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m Overweight?

People of all shapes and sizes can participate effectively in a Pilates class, so there’s no need to worry about looking a certain way. Not only that, my classes are extremely friendly and no one will judge you on your body shape.

Best of all, you’ll be seeing the difference in your body very, very quickly if you come to class regularly, so the feeling of self-consciousness will reduce as your body improves.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m Not Fit?

Pilates doesn’t miss a muscle - and I’m not just talking major muscle groups here, I’m talking about all the other little ones in between the big ones too.

Through Pilates your whole body gets an overhaul. In fact, if you come to class week after week, it will be impossible to not to get fitter. In other words, you don’t need to be fit to start doing Pilates: you'll get fit (whether you like it or not!).

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m A Late Starter?

It’s never too early or late to start doing Pilates and enjoy the improvements it brings into your life.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I Have An Injury?

You can still participate in a Pilates class, as long as your health professional has given you the go-ahead.

While talking about safety and injury, it's important to note that Pilates classes - like any physical pursuit - can involve risk of personal injury and while I take all reasonable care in the conduct of my classes, I can’t accept responsibility for injury caused during classes. You, as the participant, are responsible for ensuring that you are physically and medically fit for the class, and that during the class you take care of your own personal safety.

Can I Still Do Pilates If I’m Pregnant?

If you were doing Pilates before you got pregnant and your doctor says you can continue your regular activities, then you should have no problem doing Pilates all the way through your pregnancy (with the exception of exercises which involve lying on the tummy as your baby bump gets bigger).

On the other hand, if you haven’t done Pilates before, it’s probably best to wait until after the baby comes to start classes. Even if you are active in other forms of exercise, starting something completely new is not advisable when you’re in a delicate state such as pregnancy.

And Finally…

If you have any further questions feel free to get in touch with me via the Contact page.

I hope to meet you some time soon - see you on the mat!

   

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi:
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

SAY NO TO PUPPY MILLS! SAY NO TO ANIMALS IN PETSHOPS! SAY NO TO BREEDERS!

Adopt a homeless animal instead - they all deserve a second chance

It's estimated that 130,000 dogs and 60,000 cats are killed every year in Australia because there are not enough homes for them all. And the global numbers amount to millions upon millions every single year.

Puppy mills are a major contributor to the terrible problem of overpopulation. Puppy mills are essentially 'dog factories' where dogs are forced to churn out litter after litter, with no thought for the welfare of the dogs and all thought for profit. The dogs live in appallingly dirty, cramped conditions all their lives, and when they no longer serve their purpose they're killed, dumped or sold to vivisection laboratories.

Petshops fit into the picture because puppy mills are generally where petshops get their animals from. Furthermore, having animals in shop windows encourages impulse purchases, and adding an animal to your family should be a conscious, careful decision - NOT one to be made while shoe shopping.

Breeders contribute enormously to the tragic statistics above too. And it doesn't matter whether they're professional breeders or backyard breeders, and whether they breed for profit or not, because while there are homeless animals sitting on death row in shelters, any and all animal breeding is utterly irresponsible.

Now, here's where you come in. You can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. You can either buy animals from puppy mills, petshops or breeders and be part of the problem. Or you can adopt from a shelter or rescue organisation and be part of the solution.

If I haven't convinced you, visit your local shelter to see the homeless animals. Let their innocent faces convince you that adopting is the only responsible choice to make.

"To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being."
- Mahatma Gandhi

All information and photos are copyright © Despina Rosales.
Apart from any fair use of the information on this site for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review (as per the Copyright Act),
permission must be sought before reproducing it for any other means.