MEET ANGELA
Hello, my name is Angela Laidlaw and this is my story how I set up Pilates and Exercise Therapies to help mothers (and others) to feel strong, flexible, relaxed and energised to enjoy their family lifestyle.
WHERE IT STARTED
I am from the Czech Republic where I completed master degree at physical education. In 2004 I came to Scotland and decided to train in the fitness industry. In 2007 I became a Fitness Manager at Royal Mail Fitness Centre where I taught several classes, such as Kettlercise, Metafit, circuits, body conditioning and Pilates. I was inducting new members, designing personal programmes and ensuring smooth and safe operation of the fitness centre.
PILATES CAREER
I completed level 3 Mat Pilates in 2015. Since then, I have really enjoyed teaching Pilates classes at various places such as Oriam, Nuffield, David Lloyd and Currie community centre, helping people to improve their posture, making their core/pelvic floor and lower back stronger, improving joints mobility and muscles flexibility. During my Pilates career I came across a lot participants who suffered back, shoulder, knee, hip pain which encouraged me to study further level 4 Pilates and Pilates exercise therapy in 2020 which helps people with the health limitations mentioned above. Specific exercises/programmes help improve the client’s condition and speed up the recovery process.
POSTNATAL PILATES
After becoming a mum and also during my fitness career I have met a lot women who have had issues connected with Pregnancy and childbirth such as diastasis recti, prolapse, SI joint pain, pubic symphysis pain, pelvic floor weakness/tightness therefore I decided to deepen my knowledge about pregnancy/childbirth and postpartum period and completed Pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist course in 2021 led by a Dr. Sarah Duvall who is a leading pelvic floor and core physiotherapist. All the knowledge gained during the course I use at Postnatal Pilates classes.
PILATES & EXERCISE THERAPIES
In 2021 I decided to leave my job as a Fitness Manager at the Royal Mail fitness centre and set up my own business called Pilates & Exercise Therapies. I offer variety of Pilates classes, 1:1 sessions and personal programs to help mothers (and others) to improve their posture, strenghten core/pelvic floor, improve joint mobility and muscle flexibility and be pain free.
I love helping people to get stronger, fitter, healthier and happier. My friendly attitude, encouragement, knowledge and experience will help you to achieve your set goals. My Pilates classes are small and personal which helps to maintain individual attention. However, if you prefer to exercise on 1:1 basis or need a bit extra support I am happy to coach you at your home, garden or via zoom. Some people even do both – personal training as well as attend Pilates classes to enhance their development and to achieve their results quicker. I look forward to hearing from you and to help you the best as I can.
QUALIFICATIONS
Main qualifications:
Level 4 Certificate in Instructing Mat Pilates
Level 4 Award in Pilates Exercise Therapy 1
Level 3 Diploma Instructing Pilates Matwork
Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training
Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist
Level 2 Exercise to music
Master degree at Physical education
Instructor of fitness and bodybuilding coach
Additional qualifications:
Emergency First Aid at Work
iMove Freely Instructor, Trigger Point Pilates , Metafit Instructor, Kettlercise Instructor
After having my first child I needed to work on strengthening my body and improving fitness levels. I feel these classes with Angela have provided just the right balance in terms of a challenging workout and the personal support I need to improve my technique.
I started face-to-face Pilates classes which I really enjoyed because they were well paced and delivered in smaller groups so I felt well supported by Angela. During lockdown I continued with Zoom classes, which were flexible and easy to access. Again, being in a smaller group felt more personal and Angela got to know our individual needs so could offer help and advice tailored to my own abilities.
The classes have also been great for supporting my own physical and mental wellbeing. I feel refreshed and relaxed after each class – just what’s needed during this difficult time.
I started Zoom Pilates Beginner classes with Angela in January 2021 during the lockdown to help with my lower back pains. The classes have not only improved my lower back which I don’t have problems with anymore but also I feel more flexible and stronger. I’m now in Mixed Level Pilates and have been enjoying trying new exercises with weights, rubber bands, stability ball and prickle balls.
Angela is very friendly, provides clear instruction and has great attention to detail. For every exercise she gives clear explanation and different options where people can go for easier or more advanced variations. She is highly trained and knowledgeable person who is able to give great advice and help people individually.
As a mum of 2 small children the classes also enabled me to find a bit of time just to myself which have been giving me a chance to unwind and relax and concentrate on myself. The fact that I can do the exercise from the comfort of my home is a great bonus as otherwise I wouldn’t be able to go. I would recommend her classes to everyone.