What is Pilates?

Pilates is a total body conditioning method based on the system developed by Joseph Pilates in which concentrated, controlled, co-ordinated movements are used to achieve significant results. Pilates requires mind-body connection and helps us to re-learn correct human movement patterns and develop awareness of correct postural alignment. We learn to use often overlooked deep postural muscles in order to strengthen the lower back and help support the spine. This is often referred to as using CORE STABILITY – gained by developing CORE STRENGTH.

To practice Pilates effectively we need to concentrate and listen to our bodies. At first the moves we perform can seem to be fairly simple and on the face of it, possibly just a basic physical challenge. However, with patience and perseverance, correct techniques become second nature and then the work-out begins! It’s surprising how quickly we start to see measurable benefits and feel ready for further challenges.

The Pilates technique aims to provide physical benefits in:

Posture     Mobility of the Joints      Muscle Control

Core Strength      Muscle tone and length   Flexibility

Balance   Strength and Endurance    Co-ordination         

Pilates is a mind-body experience where you free your mind from clutter in order to focus on yourself and your own body’s needs. At the end of the class you will have felt physically challenged and yet you will feel de-stressed and relaxed.

BREATHING

So often when participants are new to Pilates they come to me worried that they find it hard at first to master the correct breathing techniques. My personal take on this is – don’t stress about it, it’s important but Rome wasn’t built in a day! There’s a lot of new things to learn and sometimes being instructed how to breathe on top of everything else your body is doing, can cause brain overload!

In my classes I will teach you the correct way to breathe which will aid your performance in Pilates, and be beneficial for your general well-being.  However at first you may find at times you just need to breathe normally – let’s face it our bodies do that for us 24/7. Then one day you’ll be doing that same move and realise that you are breathing as instructed. Wow – you’ve got it! I use the analogy of learning to drive, nobody learns how to reverse round a corner, changing gear, looking in the mirror and indicating, on their first driving lesson!

MIXED ABILITY CLASSES

My classes are aimed at slightly different abilities, or familiarity with the Pilates method. However I am practiced at multi-level teaching to incorporate mixed-abilities within the group. My warm up and final stretches are for everyone but I will offer various levels and adaptations of the Pilates moves themselves. This way participants take ownership of their own work-out and perform the moves at a level that is appropriate for their own body’s needs. Pilates is non-competitive and not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ class.

INJURIES and MEDICAL CONDITIONS

I teach many participants with a wide range of physical challenges and wherever possible I aim to make my classes suitable for all. Occasionally with some conditions it is best to arrange a few one-to-one sessions with me so that together we can work on your needs and look for individual options that you can then use confidently in a group class.

Please contact me before your first class to discuss any health issues.