Services

Pilates

Current services include (see below for more details):

• Pilates mat classes
• Pilates private sessions
• Pilates semi-private sessions (up to 3 people)

Pilates is an exercise method which works on your mind, body and spirit. Pilates addresses your body as a whole, not isolating specific areas. It works on both lengthening and strengthening your body. Pilates specifically addresses postural deviations which occur from illness, injury and age. Pilates can be performed on a mat in a group setting or specialised studio equipment in a private or semi-private setting.

Pilates has its own form of breathing which helps to calm your mind and body, creates rhythm and flow, improves your heart and lung health and can also add assistance or challenge when exercising.

Pilates focuses on your postural and smaller muscles groups which often get forgotten about at the gym or other exercise regimes.

Pilates is an exercise method which is complimentary to all other forms of exercise whether it be cardiovascular exercise, strength training, sports specific training. You should be performing Pilates on a regular basis to remain pain free, strong, lengthened and injury free.

Whilst Pilates tones, strengthens and lengthens your body, you should not rely on it solely to help with fat loss. You still need to incorporate cardiovascular activities such as walking, skipping, running, boxing, cycling, swimming etc into your fitness program.

Pilates Mat classes

Pilates Mat classes are designed mainly for the general population. Often small apparatus is incorporated into the class. Small apparatus includes fitballs, magic circles, foam rollers, resistance bands, dumbbells, ankle weights and stability balls.

These classes are suitable for you if you do not have any injuries or major health conditions.

There are timetabled classes or you can get your own group together and have your own class. You can also have a private session if you prefer.

All classes are graded and there are introductory courses available for you if you are new to Pilates. Introductory courses are run on a regular basis.

Class sizes are small to ensure maximum supervision.

One of the attractions of Pilates mat exercises is that you can perform them outside of a class setting so it helps to empower you as you become more proficient with the Pilates method.

Note, if you find your body has special needs that do not appear to be getting enough attention in a class or your body is feeling worse, this can be quite normal. When your body first begins a new exercise program, it often goes into ‘shock’, then after a period of adjustment everything settles down and you begin to feel the benefits. Alternatively you should consider switching to a Pilates Studio/equipment based session where you can work on a more customised program.

Pilates Private and semi-private sessions

These sessions generally involve a combination of mat based exercises but also using the Pilates machines. These sessions are tailored for you depending on what your exercise goals are.

These goals might be:

• You are just finishing a rehabilitation program with a Physiotherapist or other practitioner
• Your practitioner may wish for you to begin non-impact, gentle exercise in conjunction with treatment you are receiving
• You have a certain health condition or restriction
• Your body may require more support for your condition than exercising on the floor
• It may be your only option if you cannot get on and off the floor to exercise
• The springs provide variable resistance in a workout which can add challenge or provide support
• The matwork class timetable does not suit you
• You like using the machines

With a studio based session, you commence with an ‘Initial consultation’. This is done to assess your body, develop your own personalised program and to teach you the Pilates basics.

After your initial consultation, you commence working your program in a private session (one on one) or a semi-private session (one instructor to up to three clients).

These sessions are more expensive than a mat class because you get to use the Pilates machines, you get an individual program which is being updated regularly to help you progress and there is a higher level of supervision from your instructor.