General Information

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a holistic system of movement and exercise that was developed in the late 1920’s. Originated by Joseph Pilates, the exercises are extremely precise and focus on core stability muscles whilst challenging the global muscle system to produce length and strength. At the same time, the mental focus assists with body awareness which has an overflow effect into everyday activities helping to fine tune and rebalance your body. Consistent Pilates workouts will enhance your quality of life, improving your strength, flexibility, posture, body awareness and stamina.

Specific benefits of Pilates

• Longer, leaner muscles
• Improved core strength, stability and control
• Injury prevention
• Relief from stress and back pain
• Improved balance and co-ordination
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Effective functional rehabilitation from injuries
• Increased mind-body awareness
• Increased self-confidence

Does Pilates offer any resistance exercise?

The foundation exercises of the programme are based on the mat where the core muscles are strengthened by working against gravity and sometimes the resistance of small apparatus such as flex-bands, fitness circles and fitballs.

In private and semi-private sessions, one can include exercises on the reformer which glides on rollers and uses springs for resistance in a wide variety of exercises for all areas of the body. These conditioning exercises have no impact on the joints and promote a blance in strength and flexibility.

All exercises build on each other to work from an Essential to Intermediate and finally, if required by the client, Advanced Level.