Emma Lynch
Adamas Pilates evolved from my own journey of healing and recovery from pain.
For many years I worked in various civilian roles for Cumbria Police, spending many hours hunched over a desk before joining the force as a police officer on the “front line”, based initially at Workington and latterly Penrith. The nature of the role, the wearing of heavy kit, combined with stressful events in my personal life meant I was holding a lot of tension in my neck, shoulders and upper back and was constantly in pain.
Simple every day tasks like cooking and shopping were unbearable at its worst. I felt the middle of my back was locked and solid with little movement. I loved my job, but stress was taking its toll and my pain was worsening.
I had tried various treatments over the years including physiotherapy, acupuncture and remedial massage, to name but a few, however any relief was short-lived and the pain soon returned. In 2014, in desperation, I applied for treatment at the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate and spent two fabulous weeks there on a programme of physiotherapy which included Pilates every day.
I had tried Pilates before but not with any consistency. The physiotherapists reassured me that there was nothing “wrong” with me and encouraged me to exercise in the gym, swim and continue my Pilates regime at home.
So, upon returning I invested in membership of North Lakes Spa in Penrith and took up regular Pilates there, as well as trying Body Balance, yoga and the gym. I fell in love with the spa and how exercise improved my health, both physically and mentally, and spent much of my spare time there.
Carolyn Brown, my Pilates instructor at that time, recognised my potential and passion for Pilates and encouraged me to take up teacher training, helping me find a course and supporting me throughout. In June 2016 I qualified with a Level 3 diploma in Pilates and in August 2016 taught my first ever class to police colleagues at Carleton Hall HQ.
In January 2018 I qualified as a Les Mills Body Balance Instructor, more recently achieving my Advanced Instructor module. Then, in February 2018, I left my much loved role as PC 2193 to create Adamas Pilates. I have recently undertaken further training in Pilates-based Hip and Shoulder stability.
My back is now much improved and although I still get niggles from time to time, I am stronger, fitter and healthier at 38 years old than I was ten years ago, and am able to carry out daily activity without pain, having overcome my fear of movement, reduced the sources of stress in my life and become consistent with my routine.
The word ADAMAS is of Greek origin and translates to “Invincible“ or “Unconquerable.” I teach weekly classes in Pilates and Body Balance, Pilates for beginners courses, themed workshops and private one to one sessions in the homes of my clients.
Emma Lynch
Adamas Pilates
07545 480326
emma@adamaspilates.co.uk
www.adamaspilates.co.uk