Three Women in Waipara
This is the story of how a passion to help the local people brought three Canterbury women from diverse backgrounds to combine their skills and knowledge to embark on a journey of learning and discovery to form the local exercise group known now as ‘Pure Pilates”.
Sarah Hughes-Games is originally from the UK and worked as a Biologist in Israel and South Africa. She and her extended family now live in a log house on a small holding in Waipara, growing organic vegetables and seedlings and running the local post shop. Having active young grandchildren she understood how we slow down with age, and having broken her hip she realised the importance of this type of exercising, which initiates brain/ muscle memory to keep flexible, strengthen the body and protect the bones .
Alison Willis was born in New Zealand and came up to North Canterbury and farmed in Greta Valley in 1983. After a second drought she went back to teaching full time at Greta Valley School. They sold the farm in 2004 and the family moved to Leithfield. Being close to Amberley she started to attend Pilates classes with Lyn Watson, the Physiotherapist. This is where her passion and belief in Pilates began. After a while Lyn wanted to step away and with encouragement from Sarah they both decided to train as Pilates teachers. Victoria with her youthful enthusiasm joined the group which is now known as ‘Pure Pilates”. Alison also takes private one on one classes at her home in Amberley.
Victoria Potts moved from the UK to New Zealand 8 years ago with her husband and son, Amberley quickly became their home. Wanting to find relief for a trapped nerve in her back Victoria initially enrolled with Sarah and Alison as a client. But realising her passion to help others learn about their bodies and how to heal themselves, she too trained in Pilates. When she is not planning or running classes you can find her at Sally Mac’s, a much loved ladies’ clothing store.
Many people state how they simply couldn’t perform simple exercises but how this changed over time with regular training and how this helps their everyday lives.
Pilates is great for balance, toning, core strength and a calm and relaxed mind. They now take 6 classes per week with over 30 enthusiasts of various ages ranging from their thirties to early eighties attending. As instructors, they assess each persons physical abilities and injuries and the classes are tailored to meet the needs and abilities of each individual. Each instructor offering a slightly different range of exercises and styles but alway adhering to Pilates Principles.
The importance of is now well established, as a means to keep the brain active and is imperative for ones mental health. The groups often sit together for coffee and snacks after class and the Christmas parties make for a very cohesive group.
Written by
Sarah, Alison & Victoria
