Experience and Qualifications

I have always been interested in exercise and healthy eating and have now been teaching exercise for twenty one years.  I began by qualifying as an aerobics instructor then purchased a Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs’ franchise which I ran for eight years.  This involved operating weekly classes with dietary advice, a weigh-in and a fat-burning work-out.

 
In 2001, I sold the business and took a job with Tynedale Healthy Life which is the local GP Referral Scheme.  I did fitness assessments, advising clients on diet and exercise and provided classes for those who chose to participate in our programme.  GPs refer people who have a condition which would benefit from a change in lifestyle.  Anything from being unfit and a little overweight to much more serious problems,  for example: diabetes; heart disease; Parkinson’s disease and skeletal conditions such as osteo-arthritis.  During this time, I qualified as a REP’s (Register of Exercise Professionals) Advanced Level 3 Gym and GP Referral Instructor.  I also participated in local cardiac rehab classes.  These are classes offered to patients who have suffered some kind of heart-related event.  It might be a heart attack, heart transplant or have had a stent inserted in an artery to facilitate blood flow.  These classes are offered by the NHS with a fitness instructor and a cardiac nurse present.  I studied with the British Association of Cardiac Rehab which is a Level 4 qualification.

 
In 2006, I finally decided to add Pilates certificates (Level 2 and 3).  I feel that my previous experience helps enormously when teaching my classes now.  I  am able to offer adaptations to suit each individual client so that anyone can take part.
Pilates can be done in any position, so if you feel uncomfortable or unable in any pose, it can be done another way.

Interested in a class?

Classes are run weekly throughout the North East of England.  Please visit the Class List Page for further details.

TESTIMONIALS

“I like the fact that there is a good mix of age and ability in Pat’s  class.  There is no pressure, only encouragement to work to your own potential.  Several  levels of exercise are usually offered during class, allowing each individual to work to their own strength and capability.  I joined the class with extreme stiffness in the neck, shoulders and left arm.  Pilates has worked wonders to improve this condition and I would definitely notice the difference if I didn’t attend my weekly class.”  - DB, Brampton

“Having a knee replacement and lower black problems a low impact but thorough exercise has been important to me.  Pat is an excellent coach, varying her programme each week ensuring the whole body is exercised.  Having learnt and understood the importance of core strength, I feel more supple and no longer worry about hurting my back doing jobs in the house and garden.” – AB, Brampton

“I have been attending Pat Waters’ Pilates class for over 4 years, having suffered recurring back problems over a number of years.  Not only have I seen a great improvement in my back problems but I also enjoy going to the classes.  Pat is so helpful in giving advice if you have any aches and pains and suggests other stretching exercises during the class if you are unable to do any.  I also think her her organisational skills are fantastic .” – JD, Ponteland

“I urge you all to at least try one of Pat’s fabulous Pilates classes and see the difference it makes to your well being.  Having suffered with back pain since the birth of my first daughter 30 years ago which was gradually getting worse, I was advised I ought to do Pilates.  I eventually decided to give it a try.  It was one of the best decisions I made in my life and I am delighted to say since attending Pat’s classes 18 months ago I have never had one day of back ache, it has transformed my life.” – SC, Horsley

“I was recommended to attend Pat’s Pilates class after I had a hip replacement.  The controlled exercises really gave me confidence and helped to strengthen my hip and improve my core stability.  I have gone back to playing golf and go skiing (carefully!).” – KP, Ponteland

“Thoroughly recommended-  individual attention in a class environment.” – ES, Horsley

“I started doing Pilates about a year ago.  The improvement it has made to my co-ordination and general well being is amazing.  I have no hesitation in recommending these exercises.” – MW, Allendale

“Pilates has been very good for me and has helped keep me active despite having Parkinsons.  Pat is an excellent and knowledgeable trainer for all levels of ability.  Her humour helps us to excel!  The exercises are varied week by week and classes are never boring.” – MT, Brampton

“I have been going to Pat’s Pilates classes for almost five years.  I tried several Pilates instructors before finding Pat but was converted to her approach almost immediately.  Pat’s instruction takes all the guess work out of Pilates, and her step by step approach means you always know which parts of the body she is targeting – usually even more so two days later!  As well as being a busy mum I also have MS and have found Pat’s classes an essential part of my ‘regime’ for body and soul.  I get a hour of me time, my brain switches off, I do what I’m told, my neuro-pathways get the exercise they need, and my body gets it’s weekly service.” – KM, Hexham

“I really miss doing Pilates if I am unable to attend in any week.  I feel better for the gentle exercise and my body is becoming more supple.  Pat is an excellent teacher and apparently adapts her programme with ease to include any disabilities or problems.  To quote her, ‘Pilates can be done at a variety of levels, so no one needs to feel unable to be included’.  I have a balance problem and the exercises have helped me to improve my control.  I also have a problem in my lower back and after a long walk or gardening, choose to do some of the exercises I have learnt in the classes as they ease the pain and strengthen the problem area.  There is always an area of the body where we each find more difficulty with the exercise.  However, Pat will offer easier alternatives and gradually that region responds.  It is interesting that the area varies for all of us, so I find I am good at some exercises others find harder, while I struggle with others that my fellow classmates find easier.  No need to be shy of making a mistake as everyone is too busy getting their own coordination right that any perceived difficulty by anyone else is unlikely to get noticed!” – RR, Wall

“I have been doing exercise for over 20 years aerobics, using a gym, spinning and running.  I had an injury last year and I was advised to do Pilates by a physiotherapist.  When I first started doing Pilates I couldn’t do some of the exercises but I have progressed a lot since then and the benefits I have gained are incredible.  I have used muscles I didn’t know I had, and  I really enjoy the classes.  Pilates is now an important part of my exercise regime.” – SB, Horsley

“Pat is fantastic!  Her varied and graduated programme has helped to get me walking again after a complicated hip replacement.” – CD, Bardon Mill

“Having suffered from lower back pain for a quarter of a century and also having avoided communal exercise classes like the plague, I was very impressed by Pat’s professionalism and expertise when I joined one of her classes almost three years ago.  I am now a Pilates convert, have hardly any problems with my back and never cease to be amazed how Pat manages to keep her eyes on everyone in the class and make sure that all abilities are catered for.” – AH, Ponteland

“After attending the class once a week for just over a year I am stronger, more supple and a long-standing neck problem has greatly improved.” – HF, Ponteland

“Pat introduced me to Pilates many years ago and I was instantly hooked so take it as a given that I love the regime!  However, what Pat brings to pilates is something special – a little humour, bundles of variety and humanity.  This last is rather important as Pat welcomes any ability and skilfully manages a mixed class from newcomer to old hands.  Everyone’s included and stretched to their own personal level.  Injuries, difficulties, stiffness, rehabilitations are all cared for in a sensitive way.  Classes are different every week – this is not Pilates by rote!  I’ve really benefitted from Pat’s classes – I’m more supple, stronger and toned in places I didn’t even know I had muscles.” – JB, Langley

“Pat’s Pilates has rescued me from crippledom!  Despite double scoliosis and arthritis, my posture, strength and flexibility are much improved.” – SK, Wall

“I am 100% sure that I wouldn’t have made such a good recovery from my hip replacement without Pilates.  My strength and balance has so improved over the time I’ve been coming to your classes, thank you so much.  I used to spend lots of money on physio and chiropractors, now I don’t need to, the Pilates classes have kept my back almost pain free.  By Monday I can’t wait to get stretched out in class.” – JT, Langley

“I have just started Pilates recently and already I am feeling the benefit already.  I have back problems, and since starting Pilates the improvement is great, both flexibility and discomfort are a thing of the past.  My balance is not good and we do lots of exercises for this, so hopefully this will improve.  I am probably one of the oldest in the class, but Pat gives us different levels of intensity for every exercise, so you find a level to suit you.” – CC, Brampton

Interested in a class?

Classes are run weekly throughout the North East of England.  Please visit the Class List Page for further details.