Teacher Spotlight- Jemma Winborn & Kam

I trained as a professional dancer in the mid 90s and after 10 years in the industry I decided to sidestep into Pilates as it felt like a natural progression where I still got to use my body for my work, but more importantly I got to help others to use theirs. 

I was extremely fortunate to train in mat and equipment based Pilates with Alan Herdman in his studio in Mayfair, London in 2006/7. I’ve never looked back. 

I would describe my teaching style as flowing. I like the exercises to make sense in the body, in sequence. I guess this stems from my dance background. Students have told me they like how specific I am with my cueing. I like things to be done well. That being said as I’ve got older I appreciate that not everything has to be perfect. Often the most important thing is just to get someone in the door, get them moving safely and to help them feel good about themselves and their body, even if just for an hour a week. If I were to give advice to a new teacher it would be this.

6 years ago I had a call from an osteopath friend asking if I would be interested in taking on a student with Down Syndrome. I jumped at the chance. I have always been a people person and I really love meeting people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds: my clients have always been a complete mix and this opportunity  would add to the melting pot of clients I had. 

Kam is now in his early 50s and I see him twice a week for 1-2-1s. He has numerous physical challenges including severe rheumatoid arthritis in both shoulders (they creak like rusty hinges when he moves his arms), scoliosis and hyper mobility, alongside the cognitive challenges that having Down Syndrome brings. Despite all of these limitations he is an absolute dream of a student. He is always, always attentive and does exactly what he’s told to the best of his ability. 

Our sessions are very varied and always fun. We usually warm up by disco dancing to Abba, and often end up chasing one another round my studio. We play throw and catch, we pretend to sword fight with my maple poles and we even have a special hand clap. Around the middle of every session Kam will put his boxing gloves on and I’ll don my pads, and we’ll spar. I’m sure Joseph Pilates would have approved! All of these things are designed to get Kam moving and using his arms and shoulders without him realising, a bit like disguising vegetables in a child’s dinner to get them to eat them. Sprinkled in amongst all of this are as many of the classical Pilates repertoire exercises as I can sneak in.  

Kam is a fantastic mover and can make beautiful shapes with his body. The JPilates “Order of Mat” poster is a big favourite and he likes to recreate what he sees in the pictures. His favourite exercise is Corkscrew. 

I have a young family and busy work schedule, juggling both group classes and 1-2-1s throughout the week but I would dearly love to work with more clients with special needs in the future. There is a particular joy in seeing this population engage in organised movement, and the Pilates technique more specifically. 

I think it’s safe to say that meeting Kam has changed my life for the better. He regularly tells me he loves me and that I’m the most beautiful woman in the world. Great for the ego! Mind you, he also recently told me I looked like the wrestler, The Undertaker, so I’ve learnt to take the rough with the smooth.

My work with Kam is proof that our beloved Pilates method is endlessly adaptable. I really hope our community can continue to diversify the demographic of people we share it with so that absolutely everyone can benefit, no matter who they are. 

You can connect to Jemma on instagram @jemma_winborn_pilates

If you would like to learn more about the skills and knowledge needed to teach Pilates to clients with disabilities encouraging inclusivity, accessibility and empathy, please click here to go to the free workshop on Pilates for clients with disabilities.