About Monique
Monique has taught Pilates at numerous studios and dance centers in London, Berlin and Amsterdam including The Central School of Ballet, Alan Herdman Pilates, Kinesis Studios, Trevor Blount Pilates, The Pilates Company, The Amsterdam Dance Centre and Smartbody Studios. Her background is in professional ballet; dancing with both Peter Schaufuss Ballet in Denmark and the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Monique discovered Pilates early on in her career when she was still training at the Australian Ballet School and since that time she has worked and trained with many Pilates instructors in different countries around the world. She gained her teaching qualification through Alan Herdman, who is one of the most respected instructors in the UK.
Monique's understanding of the body and of movement make her teaching not only enjoyable but extremely beneficial. She always tailors programmes to suit individual bodies and it is through this focus and understanding that real change can be made.
Monique also teaches matwork classes which aim to re-energise the body through a combination of traditional and contemporary pilates exercises, yoga, dance and Alexander Technique.
Pilates for Young Dancers DVD is available now.
About Pilates
Developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, the system focuses on improving posture and well-being through specific exercises.
Pilates develops the core postural muscles which due to every day activities; sitting for long hours at a desk, slouching on a sofa, carrying heavy bags/briefcases, leaning forward to drive a car or bicycle become weak from lack of use. The aim is to rebalance the muscle development so clients feel better, walk taller and alleviate pain.
Pilates teaches awareness of the breath which improves circulation and is low impact meaning it doesn't create any unnecessary stress on the joints.
Pilates aims to achieve a mind body connection - the original programme was based on yoga, tai chi and ballet.
Benefits of Pilates
- Improves posture
- Improves flexibility
- Improves strength
- Prevents injury
- Improves coordination and circulation
- Physical well-being
- Increased clarity of the mind
- Reduces stress
- Creates a lean toned body
- Address the causes of back pain and headaches
- Creates a stronger more flexible spine
- Conditions efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury
- Improves the way your body looks and feels
Testimonials
Monique has been working with me since May 2008, twice per week. Prior to working with Monique I suffered from chronic neck and back pain. Approximately one month into our work together, the pain dissipated and has now disappeared. My posture has also dramatically improved.
Monique is extremely patient and interested in her clients well-being. She tailors each workout to her clients own personal needs and ensures that each exercise is performed correctly. I have taken other pilates courses in the past but have never before encountered an instructor with such a personal interest in her clients well being. I even brought my parents to see her when they were visiting, and their one experience with Monique has ignited a full blown interest to pursue pilates!
I would highly recommend Monique as a pilates instructor. I am so sad that she has left London, but hope that those in Amsterdam can benefit from her teaching!
Francisca Grol, CFA Fidelity Investments Multi-Manager Analyst
Monique's Pilates lessons, which I have followed in the last two years, have helped tremendously to improve my overall condition. Even though I am a regular at the gym, I have been suffering from back and neck aches the last few years. Trying physio- and manual therapy worked for me, but only after I started doing Pilates with Monique I noticed a big improvement.
The results are; a better posture, more physical strength and an increase in litheness. My complaints have diminished so dramatically that I could stop going to manual therapy.
The best thing about lessons from Monique is the attention she has for all her students. She assesses everyone's abilities and adjusts her lessons accordingly. It doesn't matter if you have just started doing Pilates or if you are an advanced student. Monique's lessons are always challenging!
I am very happy with the Pilates lessons by Monique at the Amsterdam Dance Centre. It has giving me the freedom to move comfortably and makes me feel good.
Danielle van der Kuij, Midwife
Monique has been working with me since May 2008, twice per week. Prior to working with Monique I suffered from chronic neck and back pain. Approximately one month into our work together, the pain dissipated and has now disappeared. My posture has also dramatically improved.
Monique Richards is a wonderful teacher. After just one lesson you feel the difference in your entire body.
Her exercises are calming yet intense. After taking her classes, you really feel as though she has understanding for the body and respect for her clients. Her classes are healing; my whole body always feels wonderful afterwards. When you seriously follow her teaching it will protect you against physical problems and injuries; it helped me to overcome mine.
I can recommend Monique to everybody who wants the best for his or her body.
Sylvia Balm