Pillar of Strength

FIT AND FAB Pillar Pilates is chiropractor Dr Amy Lauren's studio in the heart of Shenton Park.

Pillar of strength WORDS | Beverly Ligman

I LOVE PILATES for many reasons; the way it strengthens and tones my core, the full body stretch and release I get after doing a reformer class and the fact that I’ve lived with a pesky scoliosis since I was a teen and it makes my body feel more aligned.

The reason I love doing it at Pillar Pilates in Shenton Park is because owner Dr Amy Lauren is a chiropractor and former elite gymnast, who knows exactly how to correct my posture and form on a reformer machine when I’m feeling a bit sticky in the ribs or hips, so I get the most out of a class and don’t walk away with any extra twinges.

I also sit at a desk most days and my body hates me for it - some weeks more than others, but one class a week at Pillar helps me realign, ready for the week ahead.

Pillar offers a range of classes from classic reformer (Sculpt) to jump board (Sweat) and a flexibility class (Stretch) and because there are only seven people per class, you get the instructors full attention. I also love that classes are 45 minutes, so you’re in and out before you even know you’ve exercised. But trust me when I say that you will feel it the next day, but in a very good way.

I asked Dr Amy a few questions about her vision for Pillar in Subiaco:

How long have you owned Pillar and what’s your vision? I opened Pillar in October 2020; it was born out of a desire to bring both chiropractic and Pilates together as the two complement each other so well, yet there aren’t any places in the western suburbs which offer both modalities. Prior to opening Pillar, I spent 18 months travelling around Australia working in various chiropractic clinics and taking Pilates classes in as many studios as possible to enable me to bring the best of both to Subiaco.

Why does being a Chiropractor and Pilates instructor work so well? Studying chiropractic is five years at university, studying human anatomy, function, and movement patterns as well as injury prevention and rehabilitation. This gave me an indepth knowledge of how people move (or don’t move), common injuries and postural issues. With this knowledge, I can plan classes that incorporate exercises to prevent and rehabilitate common injuries all under the guise of having fun on the reformer.

Small class sizes at Pillar also mean you can keep an eye on people’s posture and form . . . Exactly! We have a maximum of

seven clients per class, making it one of the smallest group reformer Pilates studios in Perth. Keeping the class sizes small, means you get maximum benefit out of each exercise and prevent injury as form and posture can be closely monitored. It enables the instructor to understand each client’s body, so modifications can be made and a gentle push can be given to ensure it’s a challenge.

What do you love about Pilates? It’s versatile, holistic and suitable for all fitness levels, abilities, and ages. At Pillar, our clients range in age from 16 to 82. The benefits are endless; you’ll gain improved strength, mobility, coordination and balance. Pilates requires you to use the small, often underutilised stabilising muscles. My regular clients say they see vast improvements in their other activities - whether it’s running, swimming, yoga or looking after the grandchildren.

If ‘passion’ was your word for 2022 - how would it relate to what you do every day? If there’s one thing this pandemic has taught us, it’s that health is our greatest wealth. I’m passionate about improving lives through a holistic approach to physical health and nothing brings me more joy than seeing my clients achieve their health goals, which weeks or months ago, didn’t seem possible! It’s what gets me out of bed and into the studio before 6am every morning.

Pillar Pilates, 198 Nicholson Road Subiaco. Visit pillarperth.com.au

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