What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Pilates moves tend to target the core, although the exercises work in other areas of your body as well. You can do Pilates with or without equipment. The moves involve slow, precise movements and breath control. A typical Pilates workout is 45 minutes to an hour-long. Pilates is an investment in your health. Think of it like putting something in the pension pot to ensure that you can actually spend your pension. If there are any underlying imbalances, due to my wealth of medical experience, they are easily spotted and corrected.
What will it do for you?
Pilates is a full-body exercise method that will help you do everything better by retraining the muscles to move correctly. It strengthens and stabilises your core body so that you can move efficiently while improving your posture, flexibility, and mobility. Pilates offers plenty of benefits to your body, no matter what your fitness background. You’ll improve your posture, focus on bodily alignment, and get an amazing core workout. Whether you're on the mat or machine, you can get the same benefits. A 2015 study found that eight weeks of Pilates classes improved abdominal endurance, flexibility, and static balance. The greatest benefit is, you gain greater awareness throughout the day of how your body moves.
How will I achieve this?
I suggest you start with private sessions to learn the moves correctly and get the most from the group sessions. Pilates is not restricted to specific body parts, though it does isolate different muscle groups. Pilates moves focus on your core and trunk, but that doesn't just mean abdominal muscles. The core includes the entire trunk, which is the abdominals, the hips, the inner and outer thighs, and the back. So expect a workout that works your entire body. Pilates helps to retrain the body to do what it is supposed to do not what we think it should do. The more you do during the week either with me or by yourself as homework the more you get out of the sessions.
What to expect?
The classes are small and very hands-on. Corrections are both verbal and physical, cueing your body into the correct position and firing up the right muscles. A mat, thicker than a yoga mat is used. This helps to relieve pressure points and encourage the body to move. The initial private sessions help to teach/train the muscle to move correctly and have the correct firing pattern. Props are used to help the body achieve the position and maintain it and to encourage the retraining of the body. It is a slow process to unlearn what the body has been doing but with focus and breath control excellent results are achievable.
Even if you typically prefer loose-fitting workout wear, you need to wear body-hugging options for Pilates classes. This way, the instructor can see your movements better and your clothes don't get caught in springs or other equipment. There are many exercises in Pilates where you are lying down and your legs are moving above you…so you don't want the shorts to ride up. Instead, wear capris or leggings with a tank top or fitted long-sleeved shirt.
As for footwear, you can either be barefoot or wear socks for your session. If you're going to go for socks, find yourself a pair with rubber detailing on the soles so you don't slip on the mat or machine. A barefoot or socks-only approach will also help you navigate in and out of the straps on a standard reformer with ease.
All mats and props are provided. Bring your own water bottle. A filtered water tap is on the premises.
All props and socks are available to buy from the studio.
CLASSES
Zoom Classes
Zoom class is an online class. Nothing can beat a class where you are standing in front of the instructor but it is a pretty good substitute in these challenging times. The max number is 8 in a class but it is usually around 5 - this ensures that everyone gets individual attention. Close attention to form and corrections are made to ensure you are executing the exercises correctly.
Zoom classes are available to clients who have had an assessment and usually 2-3 private sessions depending on their movement ability. Once you are allocated your class a link will be sent to you asking you to join via zoom. You do not need the zoom app or platform you just need to have a laptop, tablet, or phone with camera access so that you can attend the zoom class. Classes are fun and there is continued correction and progress within the classes.
Studio Classes
Studio classes are held in our bespoke studio. The classes are informative, fun, and sociable.
Classes are small, with a max of 5, but due to Covid restrictions, there are currently 3 in a class. As the classes are so small, focus on correct alignment and precision movements are achieved throughout the class and any imbalances are corrected. There can be a lot of corrections and modifications initially so that everyone is maintaining form and moving. As you progress the exercises are modified to increase the difficulty.
Studio classes will resume once government restrictions are lifted.
To access either of these class, please book an assessment below
PACKAGES
BACK CARE
Have you missed days of work? Do have flare-ups with your back where you cannot move? Then a back care package may be what you need. Investing in your back health, as you would invest in your pension will give you the tools to enjoy a healthy strong back that is pain-free. A carefully tailored 6-week back care plan for you to include
Exercise and lifestyle tips to help assess your home and work environment
Mat and reformer exercises
Short videos to remind you what you have done during sessions
Exercises that you can do throughout the day without having to pull out a mat
Mat exercises that will help maintain your back health.
Contact me today to discuss your needs and assess your situation.
6-WEEK REFORMER PACKAGE
The Pilates reformer is a traditional piece of Pilates equipment which looks like a bed with springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys. It's brilliant for everyone as it's an inclusive workout method. Whether you’re a pro athlete, office worker or new to working out, reformer pilates will help develop your whole body. Like mat pilates, Reformer improves strength — particularly around the core, back, glutes and thighs — flexibility and balance, as well as focus, coordination, posture and body alignment.