About me - your trainer
My name is Esther Schrama and I'm 44 years old. I am from The Netherlands and I have lived in Norway now for five years together with my husband and four kids.
We have been travelling around and lived in different countries.
Since I was a teenager I have been very active in many different sports. Swimming, tennis, running marathons, cycling, spinning, skiing, yoga, and Pilates. The first time I learned about Pilates was after my third baby, living in Houston. There I found out that Pilates is for everyone. Young, old, athletics, very active, less active, beginners, experienced, men, women, pre-natal, post-natal....
Since then I never stopped doing Pilates. I met great teachers in different countries, learned a lot and got my Pilates mat certification and my reformer certification.
My method: Getting down to the core
Pilates is an exercise method benefiting all fitness levels. The key is to use the modifications needed. The ability to properly modify lends itself to further variety, accessibility, challenge and safety.
You hear it all the time in class, but what exactly is the core? The core consists of the deep, internal muscle groups of the abdomen and back. An understanding of the core muscles distinguishes a Pilates instructor from other fitness professionals. Pilates focuses on strengthening the core first, whereby setting a foundation for the superficial muscles of the trunk and periphery to build upon. When the trunk is gradually stabilized , the back is relieved from unneeded pressure, and the body is able to move both efficiently and comfortably.
Pilates is an effective remedy to lower back pain. A strong core lends itself to better postural alignment, and therefore a strong, healthy spine. Optimal alignment is achieved trough Pilates by exercising with little to no impact, avoiding strain on the ligaments and connective tissue that surrounds joints. Methodical inhales and exhales circulate increased oxygen to the exercising muscle groups. The combined flow of fluid movements and steady breath adds to further flexibility.
