FAQs

Pilates

Pilates is a fitness program created by Joseph Pilates.  As a child he suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever.  He dedicated his entire life to improving his physical strength; he went on to become a gymnast and boxer.   He developed a series of exercises to  focus on precision and control, core strength, flexibility, balance, and posture.  

Many of us sit still all day. We sit when we are working, watching TV, eating dinner and using our computer. We all know that being sedentary is one of the worst things we can do for our health. Unfortunately, sitting is all too common in our modern world of conveniences, indoor living and “screen time.”

​

Pilates is an innovative and safe system of exercise using a floor mat, or a variety of equipment, which targets the deep postural muscles of the abdomen and spine to improve your overall core stability and posture. It can dramatically transform the way your body looks, feels and performs. Pilates builds strength without excess bulk, creates a toned body and a strong core.

​

It is a safe, sensible exercise system that will help you look and feel your very best. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement.  When looking at spinal health, we must consider the health of the muscles and tissues surrounding the spine. It is important that both the back and core muscles stay strong. Pilates also improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion to keep the body limber. A balance in these characteristics is the foundation of a healthy spine which Pilates exercise promotes.

​

Pilates can also reduce the risk of injury in other sports. Developing a strong core makes athletes more agile and increases sports performance.  From weekend warriors to elite professionals, athletes looking for a competitive edge are discovering that Pilates helps.  Just ask the likes of Andy Murray, David Boudia, Lolo Jones, Victoria Pendleton, Kerry Walsh-Jennings and Allyson Felix to name but a few.  It is a well-known fact Pilates is incorporated into training regimes for our top rugby players and footballers.

​

Pilates is a safe form of exercise that not only makes the body feel good, but it will look good as it teaches the joints to perform in their correct range. The exercises are slow and controlled and the entire body is addressed. Your teacher will be working on building your ‘core strength’ without creating excess bulk, gently re-balancing the body to maximise its performance. The focus is on posture and core strength.

Pure Stretch

Sitting at a desk all day is good for flexibility and core strength, said no-one ever!  

After hours of sitting at your desk, your shoulders are completely overloaded with the tensions of the day and your poor hamstrings are begging to be stretched, not to mention your back. 

​

When you work hard, the thought of more hard work in the gym just isn't appealing. I can promise you a fun session which will leave you feeling stretched, relaxed, very limber, strong and most definitely smiling. 

​

Pilates should always be considered to be “work in progress”.  If you are brand new to this form of exercise it takes a while to learn how to isolate the core muscles.  Once you do find them, you will be able to work yourself harder even when performing basic moves.  This may not happen during your first course although many do feel an improvement in their standing and sitting posture which helps decrease back pain and other niggles.  Once you have identified the core muscles you will feel stronger.

Will I become more toned?