A FORMER press photographer has turned her hand to Pilates.

Kate Buckingham, the Hexham Courant's former staff photographer of nearly ten years, is running Pilates classes alongside her business Kate Buckingham Photography.

The mother of one was advised to take up Pilates after having her son.

"Bad posture after pregnancy and heavy equipment gave me severe back pain", said Kate. "And Pilates changed my life.

"I decided that if I was an instructor, I would be able to continue my Pilates journey myself at the same time as helping others."

Kate trained with Adrian Bell, of Precision Fitness, at his studio just outside of Hexham, as well as completing a programme, led by the Classical Pilates Centre. She has also achieved an ActiveIQ Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork through Joanne Cobbe, of JPilates.

Kate explained: "Pilates is a mind-body exercise which seeks to develop the body uniformly and is a natural movement method.

"It increases flexibility, strengthens the body through lengthening of the muscles as you strengthen them, creates better posture and alignment, reduces injury in other sports as a result of a more uniformly developed body structure, and creates a more efficient breathing pattern."

Kate is now offering small, mat-based classes for up to six clients with equipment including resistance bands and magic circles provided.

She added: "Pilates is about building strong bodies and minds - if you've never been to a Pilates class, those that have will tell you that the time flies as you are concentrating so hard

"It is a great way to switch off from our crazy lives for a moment and really focus on our body so when you walk out of a class you don't just feel taller, tighter and stronger, your mind feels refreshed, refocussed and ready for what's next in your day."

Taster sessions will run on November 25 (1-2pm and 2-3pm) and December 9 and December 16, at the same times, with regular Friday classes starting in January at the Northumberland National Park Authority Garden Annexe, Hexham.

Classes also run from Barrasford Village Hall on Mondays (6.15-7.15pm), Tuesdays (9-10am for beginners) and 10.15-11.15am for intermediates.

Booking is required via 07966501832 or hello@katebuckingham.com 

All classes are £10 and participants must have their own mat.