A Christchurch-based wellbeing clinic has strengthened its Pilates offering with the appointment of two experienced instructors, aiming to broaden access to Reformer Pilates classes for the local community. Bridge Health & Wellbeing, a family-run clinic in Dorset, has welcomed Robyn Chambers and Ceri Mak to its Pilates team, each bringing unique expertise and a wealth of experience in movement-based exercise.
Robyn Chambers, an accomplished Pilates instructor and former international rower, joins the team with a passion for fitness and a strong foundation in Pilates techniques. Having represented her native South Africa and the United States as a competitive rower, Chambers turned to Pilates to enhance her own performance, ultimately inspiring her to pursue a teaching career. She is trained in both matwork and Reformer Pilates through the Pilates Foundation and Body Control Pilates, and her approach emphasises the strength-building and rehabilitative aspects of Pilates.
Ceri Mak brings over 15 years of Pilates teaching experience to Bridge Health & Wellbeing. She trained with the Pilates Foundation and specialises in Reformer Pilates, including spring-loaded apparatus work with Body Control Pilates. Her teaching philosophy integrates diverse influences, including physiotherapy and biomechanics, with additional studies in Bones for Life and Qi Gong. She has also recently qualified in antenatal and postnatal Pilates, expanding her repertoire to include specialised training for new and expectant mothers.
The addition of Chambers and Mak to the team allows Bridge Health & Wellbeing to expand its offerings in Reformer Pilates, which provides a comprehensive workout aimed at developing coordination, balance, and flexibility. Bridge Health & Wellbeing is one of the few facilities in Dorset to offer both group Reformer Pilates classes and one-on-one sessions, catering to clients of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Louise O’Connell, co-founder and lead Pilates instructor at the clinic, expressed her enthusiasm for the expanded Pilates team. “We are thrilled to welcome Robyn and Ceri, both highly experienced teachers in matwork and Reformer Pilates,” she said. “Their depth of knowledge and passion for movement align perfectly with our family-centred ethos here at Bridge Health & Wellbeing. With their support, we can now offer more Reformer sessions for our clients, with classes designed to accommodate beginners as well as more experienced individuals.”
Founded in the heart of Christchurch, Bridge Health & Wellbeing offers a range of wellness services, including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, sports massage, and rehabilitation. Its facilities include a fully-equipped gym and a dedicated studio for Pilates, yoga, and other wellbeing classes. The clinic aims to provide a welcoming environment for those seeking recovery from pain or injury, as well as those looking to improve their overall fitness.
As Reformer Pilates gains popularity for its full-body, low-impact workout benefits, the clinic anticipates a strong interest in its expanded class offerings. According to O’Connell, the classes are designed to provide not only a physical challenge but also a pathway to increased body awareness and coordination.
Bridge Health & Wellbeing invites local residents to experience the enhanced Pilates programme as part of its broader wellness services, which are all accessible under one roof. Appointments can be booked via the clinic’s website at www.bridgehw.com, and the team encourages individuals of all fitness levels to join them on their journey towards improved health and wellbeing.
