IN STUDIO – Elizabeth White Studio

‘Change happens through movement and movement heals’

Joseph Pilates

Elizabeth began practicing pilates during a degree program at Trinity Laban (Trinity Laban: Home). Recovering from a torn hamstring, she rehabilitated with a wonderful teacher, Peter Curtis, (The Dancing Potter – Mr Peter Curtis – Amazon.com).

The Laban Pilates Studio introduced Elizabeth to re-educating imbalances as well as healing her hamstring. Later, she went on to train with teachers within the Laban community, (Health | Trinity Laban), the Pilates Foundation (Pilates Foundation: Home) and Basi Pilates (Pilates Injuries and Pathologies).

Elizabeth was mentored by an Alexander Technique teacher, a Yoga and Gyrotonics teacher, and somatic practitioners. Her approach brings awareness to compensatory imbalances. She works to restore ease of movement and wellbeing.

Recovering from a broken leg I discovered I had a spinal disc problem and sciatica. I was fortunate to be referred to Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a truly holistic professional who inspires and encourages. She worked with me in the studio to find stability and be “pain free”. Elizabeth gave me confidence and made every session a joyful experience. She does not measure nor judge. She taught me how to correct and improve my biomechanics. Her professional expertise helped me condition muscles I didn’t know existed. The recovery didn’t take long and I have continued with the exercises she taught me. Elizabeth helped me recognise that 'quality of movement' makes a difference to my whole being.

Renate Wright, London England

Elizabeth takes time and care in every session to tailor to what you need. She helped me learn specific movements for scoliosis and exercises to relieve pain. I would highly recommend her to anyone!

Georgie Stables, London, UK

I had been suffering from a shoulder injury that working with an RMT did not resolve. A family member suggested that I meet with Elizabeth White. Elizabeth was very thorough at establishing my medical and physical history. She was excellent at explaining her treatment procedures each step of the way. After two sessions, my pain level had deeply diminished and my range of motion had increased remarkably. I highly recommend Elizabeth White Studio.

Sandy Simpson, Tsawwassen, BC, Canada

Like everyone I had to adapt to the restrictions of Covid-19, and I was concerned about my lack of regular exercise. Elizabeth helped me restore and maintain my physical health addressing both long term problems (pelvic floor and scoliosis) and new ones (balance, breathing and stability). I was never a person who did exercise so i didn't know what to expect. Aware of my limitations associated with ageing (I'm 85 years old) Elizabeth worked around my slight deafness and general weakness, to teach me how to improve my balance, stability, breathing, and overall awareness. Elizabeth's primary attribute, in my view, is that she is gifted at analysing the treatment needs of any individual regardless of age and/or ability and responds appropriately to her clients concerns (age related or not). Her depth of professional experience removed any hesitancy or uncertainty of injury. Her approach helped me find confidence and trust in my body. After every session she would ask me if I was experiencing any pain. I could honestly say, ‘No, I feel great - much better’.

Marcia Sweet, Toronto

History of Pilates

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883. He was a lover of sports, and gymnastics, and during his time in England he worked as a circus performer and self defence instructor for Scotland Yard. He interned during WW1 and enjoyed teaching and sharing his innovative approach to fitness.

During this period in England he was working in a hospital and began to develop the idea of using springs on the hospital beds to help the patients with rehab and/or move their limbs. Later he developed his idea into a specialised Pilates apparatus that is used in many Pilates studios and/or physiotherapy clinics.

Joseph Pilates moved to the USA in the 1920’s where he met his wife, Clara, who helped him develop his ideas. Together they created the Pilates method, working with dancers and performers at their studio, in New York, helping them recover from injuries and improve their technique. He is renowned for working with Martha Graham and George Blanchine.

Joseph Pilates developed a large number of exercises and designed specialist equipment for the whole body to exercise and improve balance, stability, flexibility, posture, breathing, concentration, and eventually he completed a whole repertoire that can be modified to suit each individual.

Today, the quality of his work and apparatus is respected by training bodies Worldwide and by physiotherapists, osteopaths and health practitioners.

History of Pilates

Get in touch: [email protected]