Pilates is an ideal complement to all other forms of exercise. It works on lengthening and strengthening muscles and works the body from the inside out. Many people find it relaxing as the class atmosphere is generally peaceful and as your full concentration is required it can give you a welcome hour out. As you are continuously working to strengthen deep postural muscles it starts to build a healthier frame for your body reducing injuries caused by misuse or bad posture.
How long is a piece of string. Ideally the quickest results will be seen if you can attend 3 sessions a week but life has its limitations and any time is better than no time. You can use a lot of what you learn in class in daily life to improve your posture through your daily life. You can also practise the system at home and we will often cover in class how to practice at home and what to do if you only have a few minutes.
It will make you very aware of your body and how use it every day. We constantly abuse our bodies by standing or sitting incorrectly allowing postural muscles to become underused and superficial muscles to do jobs they weren't designed for causing all sorts of problems as we progress through life. Stress or any emotional upheaval can cause muscles to lock up and cause pain. The relaxing nature of a Pilates class will help to undo some of this tension. It will reshape your body and give you flatter abdominal muscles. People often tell me they just feel better!
It is vital that you consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise routine if you are pregnant. Once you get clearance from them it is safe to practise Pilates, however it is important that you constantly communicate with your instructor throughout. I am fully qualified to teach pregnant clients however currently we do not offer any classes but are happy to offer 1-2-1 sessions.
I am no expert on yoga but a Pilates session works on keeping the body in motion throughout. Using specific breathing technique and control of the powerhouse it builds into a strong and demanding workout requiring complete mental focus to work with precision.
;Of course ! Every exercise emphasises lengthening and strengthening all the muscles. We cant change the genetic length of a muscle but we can make it as flexible as nature intended, The beauty of Pilates is that as you stretch the muscles you also work them brining them into balance.
;A Pilates teacher should be fully certified in all aspects of Pilates and be constantly attending training courses to keep his/her knowledge up to date as well as still continuing to work on their bodies. People are often surprised to learn that I still attend regular Pilates sessions.. A good teacher should be happy to show their qualifications and insurance cover and never be embarrassed to ask where and when they qualified. Try to go to a class that has been recommended . Unfortunately there are people who claim to use Pilates exercises within their aerobics classes without any training. They run the risk of damaging you and the good name of Pilates.
No all mats, weights, pads and other equipment is supplied by us, so all you need to bring to class is yourself and a smile.
;Pilates sessions do not follow the designer lycra set associated with other exercise regimes, just wear something that you feel comfortable moving around in. For studio work it is helpful if the clothing is reasonably close fitting in order to watch how the body is moving. Footwear is immaterial as most exercises are done either in bare feet or socks.