The Mind & Body of an Athlete...
AP
“I have known Jon in a professional capacity for over 10 years. In my opinion the best therapists are those who have personnel
experiences similar to those of their clientele. Jon certainly has that and has used sports-specific Pilates as a major tool at each stage
of his rehabilitation and performance when back in full training. He is extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his subject,
and uses his own creativity and years of professional football training to tailor Pilates programmes for his clients
I have worked in high level football, rugby, tennis and athletics for 15 years and I’m excited to have Jon as a therapist to refer my
professional athletes to. There is a big need for not just ‘Pilates’ but ‘sports-specific Pilates‘ in professional sports rehabilitation, and
I’m pleased Jon has taken Pilates to this new exciting level.”
Anne Marie O’Connor - Consultant Musculoskeletal Podiatrist, Fortius Clinic (www.fortiusclinic.com)
About Me
I first started practicing Pilates in 2009 after it was recommended to me following a hip operation to
repair a labral tear. Training, weight lighting and cardio-vascular work has always been a huge part
of my day-to-day life as a professional footballer, but this was my first major injury, and I was open
to exploring anything that would facilitate my swift return to the pitch fitter and stronger than I was
before.
Since stepping into my first Pilates class I haven’t looked back, and the results it’s helped me achieve
have been phenomenal. Following my hip injury, I unfortunately ruptured my Achilles tendon in 2013.
It was the worst injury I’ve sustained over the course of my near 15 year career in the game, but I was
able to make a full recovery and play my first game only 22 weeks after operation. Without the support
of a bespoke Pilates programme, this wouldn’t have been possible.
While initially using Pilates to ease the recovery process following injury, I have since incorporated it
within my regular training routine to the stage that it is perhaps the most important component. It
has not only helped me overcome injuries, but also prevented them, improved my performances and
without a d oubt given me a better quality of living off the field.
Pilates has most definitely prolonged my career in football and played a significant role in the success
that I’ve achieved. After my initial injury I won back-to-back promotions with Stevenage FC, was named
their Player of the Year and became club captain; milestones in my career that were facilitated by the
impact Pilates had on my ability to perform on and off the pitch.
I have increased the flexibility of my muscles, improved the mobility of my joints and overall my body
is stronger and more able to move in the way that I want it to. My only wish that I had discovered it
sooner, which is why I have established Ashton Pilates to help athletes and people from all sectors and
backgrounds.
Notable Clients
Chris
Beardsley Stevenage FC
“I’ve had first-hand
experience of Jon’s
knowledge in Pilates
- he has guided me
through exercises to
improve my fitness and
I’ve taken part in Pilates
classes where he has
worked with people
of varying levels of
Pilates experience. Jon
is always approachable,
helpful and shows an
expertise in his field.”
“I struggled for seven
months following
multiple operations, but
after joining up with
Jon twice a week my
troubled areas have
Ben
gone from strength to
Chorley strength. I would go
Portsmouth FC as far as to say Pilates
saved my career, and
Jon is someone I would
totally trust with my
body conditioning and
fitness through Pilates.”
John
Mousinho Burton
Albion FC
“Jon introduced me to
Pilates and it is now
the core of my strength
training and injury
prevention programme
to alleviate aches and
pains. I continue to use
everything that Jon
taught me today, and
his programme has
undoubtedly improved
and lengthened my
football career.”
www.ashtonpilates.com