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North West Pilates & Yoga Centre is a fully equipped Mat & Equipment Boutique Studio providing Stott Pilates, Yoga and Sports Massage throughout the North West. Based in an art gallery in the heart of St Helens cultural quarter. The Centre has been established for seven years and offers both mat and one to one classes.
 
Group mat classes utilise rings, Swiss balls, Foam rollers and Arc barrels, private lessons are conducted on the Rehab-Reformer, Cadillac, Split Chair and Ladder barrel.

North West Pilates & Yoga is run by studio Director Nisha Srivastava, Nisha is assisted by a full team of qualified staff more...

The Company also provides a corporate package, which is ideal for stress days and in-house training. North West Pilates & Yoga Centre works along side local hospitals, General Practioners, Physios, Chiropractors and Osteopaths. They are currently running an injury prevention programme at a number of professional Football clubs throughout the U.K. Their motto is "Superior Training Dynamic Success'.

All Staff are highly qualified in either Stott Pilates or British Wheel of Yoga. All new clients are given a complimentary consultation consisting of a postural analysis and a brief medical.

If you have any questions about any of our services please call us on  01744 751115.

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Nisha Srivastava -  Studio Director

Nisha is one of the UK's leading STOTT PILATES™ experts.
 
Nisha began her training with Miss Gaynor Owen at the Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre and gained her teachers qualification in ISTD modern tap and ballet. In 1992 she opened the Alhambra Academy of Dance and Drama in Rainhill, Whiston and Woolton. The Alhambra raises funds for local charities, and so far has given £10,000. Pupils of the school have regularly appeared on TV and professional pantomime.

 
Nisha has been in the dance, health and fitness industry for 16 years and uses this background to develop her own style of athletic Pilates. Her unique style creates a vigorous and dynamic flow of Pilates, which is based on Stott Pilates and is inspired by her dance experience. Her bespoke programme is taught according to the anatomical principles of Stott Pilates and the 'FA Treatment and Management of injuries in Football'.

The methods of Pilates teaching that she uses have been greatly influenced by Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Kathey Corey, Michael King, Elizabeth Larkam, P. J. O'Clair, John Garey and Hollywood's favourite Siri Dharma Galliano.  She also incorporates yoga from her extensive travels across Asia studying Ashtanga, Iyenga and Sivenanda in India

Nisha is currently running her bespoke programme across a number of professional football and rugby teams in the U.K. She is also a regular guest presenter at the Dallas school of Western and Classical dance, Mumbai.

Nisha holds her full certification with STOTT PILATES™, qualifying her to teach all aspects of injury, specialist, and populations from essential to Advanced Mat, Reformer Cadillac, Chair and Barrels.

Nisha is a Student Teacher of The British Wheel of Yoga.

Qualifications

Kate Searchfield - Pilates Instructor

Kate's passion for a holistic approach to health and fitness has taken her all over the world as a personal trainer, Pilates instructor, Boxercise instructor and massage therapist.
 
She has worked in every type of environment from teaching Pilates on the beach in Greece, Sports Massage in the French Alps, to working in a five star spar environment as well as personal training and teaching Pilates on a private luxury yacht.

Kate not only works at our boutique studio ,she also covers our injury rehabilitation programme to Oldham Athletics FC She is a regular teacher at executive Fitness Gym in Liverpool as well as running her own clinic from her hometown of Southport. Kate believes in having an open-minded approach to exercise for all abilities, shapes & sizes.

Qualifications

• STOTT Advanced Reformer – September 2007

• STOTT Functional Fitness for Golf & Racket Sports – June 2007

• STOTT Injuries & Special Populations – March 2007

• STOTT Ultimate back Care – March 2007

• Pregnancy & Pilates – March 2007

• Boxercise Personal Training and Advanced Trainer - November 2006

• STOTT PILATES Cross over Matwork - November 2006

• STOTT PILATES Intensive Reformer - November 2006

• SMA Fit For Skiing - October 2005

• Boxercise and Kick Boxercise Certificate – July 2005

• Diploma in Indian Head Massage (VTCT/IIHHT) – November 2004

• STOTT PILATES Advanced Mat Repertoire - November 2004

• SMA Sacroiliac joint, pelvic movement & low back pain - September 2004

• STOTT PILATES Intensive Mat Plus Essential & Intermediate Mat Repertoire - July 2004

• SMA Myofacial Release and Trigger Point -June 2004

• Diploma in Reflexology (VTCT / IIHHT) – May 2004

• Diploma in Aromatherapy (VTCT / IIHHT) – May 2004

• SMA Functional Rehabilitation of the shoulder – April 2004

• Diploma in Stress Management & Hypnotherapy – February 2003

• Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Massage Therapy - October 2002 - January 2003, Premier Ltd.

• University of Wales Institute, Cardiff - BSc (Hon) Food Studies 2:2, 1993–96

Diane Kirby - Pilates Instructor

Diane Kirby served as a police constable for ten years with Merseyside police. During which time she received a commendation in recognition of her hard work.
 
After the birth of her first child, Diane decided to leave to be a full time mum, and it was during that time that she developed an interest in the fitness industry. As soon as the second of her children started school, Diane successfully trained as a fitness instructor, later training at the Pilates Institute with Michael King.
 

• Pilates Advanced Matwork Michael King, Pilates Institute Nov 2005
• Pilates Reformer - Pilates Institute July 2005
• Pilates Institute Pregnancy and Pilates Course October 2004
• Pilates Intermediate Matwork - Michael King, Pilates Institute Oct 2004
• Pilates Mat Work OCR level 2 Northern Fitness & Education March 2004
• Keiser Studio Cycling April 2004
• Stability Ball Training - Northern Fitness and Education January 2004
• Aqua Exercise - YMCA Fit November 2003
• Exercise to Music - YMCA Fit May 2003.
• Exercise and Fitness Knowledge - YMCA Fit May 2003

Lou has been practicing yoga for 5 years and began teaching in February 2007. She has practiced various styles of Hatha yoga, including Ashtanga, Iyengar and Sivananda and describes her teaching style as dynamic Hatha.

Lou is currently studying for her yoga teacher training diploma with the British Wheel of Yoga, the governing body for yoga in Great Britain. She has a keen interest in the philosophy of yoga and a strong faith in yoga’s ability to heal mind and body.

Lou studied dance and acrobatics up to the age of 14 and believes that this training helped develop her body’s strength and flexibility, both of which are very important in the physical practiced of yoga. Lou has a BA Honours Degree in Drama from Exeter University and it was during this course that she was first introduced to yoga techniques, which were used as exercises for warming up and relaxing pre and post-performance.
 

Elaine qualified as a teacher at St Martin's College, Lancaster in 1980 gaining a B.Ed Hons.  She is also a student teacher of The British Wheel of Yoga.  At present she teaches 4 days a week at Fairfield Junior School in Widnes and has previously taught in various schools in St Helens, Halton and Knowsley. She has introduced breathing techniques and children and school teachers have noticed a difference in the effects it has upon the mind of children. She also use yoga asanas (postures) which the children enjoy and benefit from.  
 

• They develop strong, supple and healthy bodies
• They learn to relax, be calm and have quality sleep
• Their self esteem is cultivated thus maximising their potential for success
• They learn to respect others and the world around them
• Their ability to focus and concentrate is improved
• They learn how to deal with stress

Wayne Henderson – Massage

Over the last three years Wayne has trained and worked as a sports masseur and therapist. He has consistently achieved a high standard of service with clients.

Expert at carefully analyzing the needs of each customer and creating an appropriate, individualized strategy · I am approachable, easy to get on with and have a healthy interest in sports, which include cycling, running and attending the gym five days a week. This means I have a sympathetic approach to sports and non-sports injuries.

Qualifications

• FA Certificate in treatment and management of injuries in football - qualified 5th October 2005
• Certificate in ultrasound techniques - qualified 9th July 2005
• VTCT Standard: Sports massage - qualified 30th September 2004
• Advanced massage - qualified 30th September 2004
• Prepare body massage - qualified 30th September 2004
• The FA Level 2 and 3 in the Treatment and Management of Injuries in Football

Beth Makin – Massage

Qualifications

STOTT PILATES™ conditioning will help you develop optimal strength, flexibility, endurance and posture without adding bulk or stressing your joints. The perfect compliment to cardiovascular exercise, athletic training or rehabilitation, STOTT PILATES™ exercises will leave you looking toned, feeling revitalized and moving with ease.

How long will I have to do the workout before I see results?

The average active person, doing 2-3 classes per week should see some results within 10-12 classes. This will vary depending on each individual and things surrounding the number of classes a person takes each week, whether they are private or group classes, whether they participate in other physical activities, and whether they are existing injuries.

The question is best answered by one of Joseph Pilate’s favourite quotes from chillier. “It is the mind itself which builds the body”.

Co-founder Moiré Merrithew agrees that while Pilates can aid in losing weight, it’s not as easy or as fast as some would make it seem. “Commercials are effective marketing tools”, she says, “but science does not back up Pilates programs that position themselves as calorie burning systems”. The Pilates method of exercises not aerobic (cardiovascular), which, along with a sensible diet, is necessary for burning fat.
 

Pilates will help strengthen, build and tone muscle mass. Muscles are metabolically active tissue. “Skeletal muscles are responsible for more than 25 percent of our calorie use. An increase in muscle tissue causes a corresponding increase in our metabolic rate.” (American council on exercise personal trainer manual c 1996) the relationship also works the other way.

A strong healthy muscle will metabolize fat much more effectively than a weak, non fit muscle. Because Pilates strengthens muscles, people who practice it regularly become more effective at metabolizing calories, which had been stored as fat.
 

Although you should always consult your physician before starting any fitness routine, Pilate’s workout is gentle and controlled with no sudden jarring action is therefore more important that you work with a qualified instructor to ensure you are doing the movements correctly. An experienced instructor will be able to modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations, continually challenge you within your range and monitor your improvements. If you commit yourself to a consistent workout ached ale you will certainly feel results.

Back Problem Testimonial
Having suffered for many years with back problems and having visited Doctors, Hospitals and Physiotherapists it was suggested by a Physiotherapist that Pilates might help with my problem. My problem being a debilitating severe muscle spasm, which occurs when the back muscles support the lower vertebrae, which do not separate as normal. Whilst Pilates doesn't cure the problem it has lengthened my spine, improved my posture and strengthened my back muscle so that the spasm hardly ever occurs, but more importantly the lessons and exercises learned on realigning and lengthening the back enables me to confidently react to a spasm with exercise, rather than rest and reduce recovery time from what was often weeks to a matter of days. Colin Leahy Managing Director Carlton Freight

Mat-based workouts are very convenient and they can be done anywhere. However, a mat workout will provide no added resistance. A reformer workout adds resistance to your routine and can correct muscular imbalances better than a mat routine would.

The available information on pregnancy and exercise can be very confusing and conflicting.

STOTT tries to stay on top of the latest research regarding safety and pregnancy and covers this topic in the ISP (injuries & special populations) segment of our certification.
 

No two women’s bodies are the same, and this is especially true during pregnancy and not for others. During a normal, healthy pregnancy, moderate exercise is safe for the foetus. Exercise is also said to prevent various veins, haemorrhoids and ease back pain-not to mention boosting self esteem. The guidelines stated by the American council on exercise are not as hard-and –fast as they used to be.

However, research suggests that no new exercise routine should be started during your first trimester. As ell, you should be careful of over-exerting the abdominal muscles. During the second trimester these muscles become stretched out, and some women experience diastases recti (separation of the abdominal muscles).

With reduced support for the back, you also run the risk of injuring the lower back futher, because of the increased amounts of remained progesterone release the body during pregnancy, the ligaments surrounding the joints become lax, which leaves them loose and vulnerable. For this reason, you should be careful not to overstretch. It is important, though, to continue strengthening and rebalancing muscles around the joint-still trying to centre the body as it goes through many postural changes due to pregnancy.

Today many guidelines for pregnancy indicate that once you reach the second trimester you should not exercise in a supine position (lying on your back) as your   may be cutting off oxygen to the foetus even if you yourself are not feeling dizzy). In general we teach that it is better to be safe and not take any chances. In the second trimester we still do some mat work courses but we make sure that the upper torso is raised as it is when using the “spine supporter”. We then alternate the inclined position with sitting, kneeling and standing exercises done on the mat, reformer and Cadillac. A great piece of the equipment for pregnancy is the stability chair, because it facilitates so many exercises in an upright position. Of course drinking lots of water is always important, and be sure not to over-exert yourself. The beauty of this type of work is that it can be individualized for anyone’s ability.

Physically, many people have been known to actually get taller by working out consistently. By emphasizing posture, you learn to stretch your spine through Pilates, and by strengthening the deep abdominals to support the rest of the body you learn to maintain your height effortlessly. The most impressive results are those reported to people who have slouched most of their lives and after a few months of practising Pilates they are able to stand up much straighter, and are therefore measurably taller. However, even people having studied dance consistently for years before beginning a Pilate’s program, have noticed an increase in height over time.

• Pilates is three-dimensional (i.e. exercise can be performed using all movement planes)

• spring resistance more closely resembles muscular contraction

• emphasis on concentric/eccentric contraction for injury prevention

• STOTT PILATES™ is customizable for special needs

• in Pilates exercise, emphasis is placed on rebalancing muscles around the joint

• Pilates corrects over-training and muscle imbalance that leads to injury

• Pilates emphasizes balancing strength and flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement)

• STOTT PILATES™ leads to improvement in posture and body awareness

STOTT PILATES™ is a muscular-skeletal conditioning program. In combination with some kind of cardiovascular exercise (walking, running, aerobics, aqua fitness, etc), it’s all you need. For people who reach advanced levels, they can actually elevate their heart rate with Stott power workouts

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• Jason Kidd & New Jersey Nets; NBA

• Tiger Woods; PGA golfer

• Jason Giambi; MLBl

• Venus Williams; Tennis

• Levi Wenrich; Hart Basketball

• Sarina Coutin; Hart Soccer

• Dale Fairclough; SCV club Water Polo

• Ruben Brown;   NFL

• Curt Schilling;  MLB

"I used to feel like crap after practice and games but not since Pilates.  I learned to breathe through my muscles. My posture is better. I can run more fluidly. And I increased my bench workouts. I came out of the season injury-free."--Ruben Brown; Chicago Bears, NFL
 

 "Pilates has made me quicker, more explosive."
--Jason Kidd, NJ Nets, NBA

"Pilates is going to add five, six, seven...years to my career."
--Rocco Mediate; PGA Tour pro

Strength and conditioning coach for the Texas Rangers, Fernando Montes began recommending Pilates to his players in the early 1990's.  Pilates helped the players gain strength from the centre, or core, while "limiting the amount of stress on the joints. It gave them greater range of motion, and exposed some of their weaknesses."