Fit to the Core!

Zumba Gold

“The combination of easy to follow steps and great music from all over the world provides an exhilarating and addictive experience. Zumba is exercise in disguise!”

“For me as I've got older, fitness has never been so much fun, but as we get older we need to make sure we're taking care of our bodies and keeping them fit in an appropriate way. Some participants find regular ZUMBA classes just a bit too much – they love the music and the buzz of the class but maybe their knees aren't so keen or perhaps the class is just a little fast for them. As an active older adult myself, who loves to dance, I was aware how my regular ZUMBA classes weren't suitable for everyone.”

“My Zumba Gold classes include a wide range of music and dance styles. There are Latin inspired tracks like: Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and Tango. Tracks with a Caribbean feel like: Reggae, Dancehall and HipHop. We also travel to Bollywood, revisit disco hits of the 70s and dance to the latest current chart hits.”

“Zumba Gold may be a little slower paced than regular Zumba but we still work hard! Less speed allows for greater range of movement to create intensity.”

“Sometimes I know it can seem a bit daunting trying new things on your own, but my classes are really friendly and we enjoy a giggle whilst we wiggle! Many participants come on their own, others use it a great way to catch up with a friend, whichever way, you'll be made to feel most welcome.”

“The first class is always the most challenging, as is anything new when we start, and sometimes participants like to watch for a while then join back in when they feel ready.”

“It's advisable to wear clothes in which you can move freely and keep cool, because we do get warm. Also trainers or supportive dance shoes are a must for safety. Oh yes, bring a drink of water too!”

Pilates Matwork

“Pilates is a total body conditioning method based on the system developed by Joseph Pilates in which concentrated, controlled, co-ordinated movements are used to achieve significant results… We learn to use often overlooked deep postural muscles in order to strengthen the lower back and help support the spine. This is often referred to as using CORE STABILITY – gained by developing CORE STRENGTH.”

“Pilates is a mind-body experience where you free your mind from clutter in order to focus on yourself and your own body's needs. At the end of the class you will have felt physically challenged and yet you will feel de-stressed and relaxed.”

“So often when participants are new to Pilates they come to me worried that they find it hard at first to master the correct breathing techniques. My personal take on this is – don't stress about it, it's important but Rome wasn't built in a day!… I use the analogy of learning to drive, nobody learns how to reverse round a corner, changing gear, looking in the mirror and indicating, on their first driving lesson!”

“My classes are aimed at slightly different abilities, or familiarity with the Pilates method. However I am practiced at multi-level teaching to incorporate mixed-abilities within the group… This way participants take ownership of their own work-out and perform the moves at a level that is appropriate for their own body's needs. Pilates is non-competitive and not a 'one-size-fits-all' class.”

• Posture
• Mobility of the Joints
• Muscle Control
• Core Strength
• Muscle tone and length
• Flexibility
• Balance
• Strength and Endurance
• Co-ordination

“Please bring a mat.” · “Please contact me before your first class to discuss any health issues.”

Hatha Flow Yoga

“In my Hatha Flow classes we will use traditional Yoga postures to strengthen, stretch and mobilise the whole body whilst creating a sense of inner tranquillity. We will link poses together in flowing, warming sequences as well as practicing poses/asana individually. There will be both standing & floor-based work using the breath to deepen and develop the poses. Classes are concluded with a short period of relaxation.”

“Please bring a Yoga mat and blanket.”

Tuesday Pilates on Zoom

“Liz offers a Tuesday evening class on Zoom for you to enjoy at home whilst still participating in a live session. The group is quite small and Liz can keep an eye on everyone on screen to offer help and guidance. Liz also does the class with you so you can always see the moves whilst she teaches.”

“You just need a mat, Pilates ball and stretchy band plus a Yoga block or pillow… The Zoom link is sent out on Monday evenings along with details of appropriate Zoom settings to use.”

And on YouTube

“You can find me on my Liz Downes YouTube channel, search for: 'Liz Downes Zumba Gold. Yoga. Pilates.' You will find a selection of Yoga and Pilates classes there plus a variety of Zumba tracks for you to follow at home. There are also some Gentle Yoga chair-based classes for you to follow.”