Can Pilates help me?

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Pilates is for everyone regardless of age, ability and fitness level with the benefits felt both physically and emotionally.  Pilates can help you:-

Imporove your posture, health and overall fitness

Reach specific physical goals and challenge your athletic ability

Rehabilitate after an injury, illness or surgery

Return your body to movement

Expand your body awareness

Develop trust in your body’s abilities

Look better, feel better, live better

Live a happier more fulfilling life

Pilates aids in the management of many conditions including:  sports injuries; spinal conditions and disc issues; hip and knee replacements, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and repetitive strain injury.

“A few well designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence are worth hours of doing sloppy exercise or forced contortion.” – Jospeh Pilates

Mat or Studio?

Pilates can be taught in a specialised Pilates studio or in an open area with mats and small equipment.  Both studio apparatus and mat work can be taught privately or in small groups.  Most classes last between 60-90 minutes.

What type of Pilates is best for me?

The broad variety of exercises available allow for Pilates sessions to be tailored to each client’s individual needs.  Certain medical and rehabilitation conditions require studio apparatus sessions.  I will be happy to advise you on your individual needs.

Studio classes tend to be more expensive than group matwork classes as a dedicated space is required and greater individual attention is provided.

Studio Apparatus

Must be practised in a specialised Pilates Apparatus studio.  Apparatus utilises spring loaded resistance, gravity and movement to assist or challenge the body as required to perform the exercises.

Studio classes often offer a higher level of individual attention; classes are taught either one-to-one or in small groups of up to four clients.

Appartus sessions are particularly helpful in rehabilitation injury, in assisting those with specialised conditions and reaching specific training goals.  The support available from the apparatus facilitates the ability to target very specific muscle groups that can be difficult to identify without that apparatus feedback.

Based upon an anatomical understanding of the body’s muscular and skeletal systems I aim to create a comprehensive exercise programme specific to each client.  This ensures sessions are effective in helping clients meet their physical and rehabilitation goals.

Traditional studio apparatus are:  The Reformer; The Cadillac; The Wonda Chair and The Ladder Barrel.  Botn mat work and apparatus based sessions utilise various pieces of small equipment and props that are useful in promoting long lasting results.

“Constantly keep in mind that … true flexibility can be achieved only when all muscles are uniformly developed”- Jospeh Pilates

Matwork

Matwork classes don’t require a dedicated space in which to teach them.  Matwork is taught in local halls, dance, fitness or health centres.  It is also taught in offices and at home and can be practiced as homework.

Matwork can be taught on a one to one basis or in a small group.  The availability (and cheaper cost) of the large matwork classes  has helped Pilates gain in popularity around the world over the past 10 years.  My matwork classes are no larger than 15 students to ensure personal  attention can be provided.

Matwork exercises are performed in various positions on a mat, sometimes using small pieces of equipment (balls, blocks, bands, chairs etc) to assist or challenge the body as needed.

As matwork classes are taught to a more general audience than the personalised attention that can be given in a one-to-one, small group or studio environment.