Pilates classes are a fantastic form of exercise for general fitness, but also for overall well-being. In the Pilates classes we offer at the school, we combine mobility, strength, flexibility, core activation, functional movement, breathing and mental well-being as part of the overall offering in each class. We focus on balance, correct posture and alignment and a mind-body connection by following the principles of Pilates.
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise meaning it’s safe for most people, no matter their fitness background, and you don’t need any special equipment beyond an exercise mat to do it. It is a full body exercise method, with a special focus on core-stabilisation, that will help you do everything better. The health benefits of studying Pilates are numerous. You can expect to see improved flexibility, increased muscle strength, toning of the muscles (particularly in the abdominal region, low back, hips and glutes) and working towards finding functional equilibrium in your body.
Rather than focusing on cranking out numerous repetitions or working the muscles to exhaustion, Pilates uses gravity to work the muscles with the ultimate goal of correctly isolating and strengthening the right muscles. We work on control, focus and breath. What’s more, we focus on the details of your body and design workouts and modifications that meet the challenges and opportunities that your body presents you. We make sure that you’re working under the correct form in each exercise.
Pilates is safe to do every day. Joseph Pilates recommended to follow this exercise format three times per week, but even coming to class once per week will give you results. The longer you study, you’ll find that your ability to work in positions requiring more strength improves, and your endurance in each exercise will also improve. Don’t be surprised if you feel your muscles burning or feel a little sore the next day – but don’t worry, your muscles will get used to it over time – feeling sore the next day just means you’re challenging your muscles in new ways!
Best of all, you will begin to feel the benefits of Pilates in your daily life. Whether it’s standing a little taller, being able to lift things that were previously too heavy, being able to easily push a full shopping trolley round each corner in the supermarket with ease, or starting to feel less pain in a joint or point of injury. Pilates can help you feel better in every aspect of your life.
If you’re pregnant or post-natal, Pilates is a great form of exercise to engage in, and we can offer modifications for all stages of your pregnancy. Pregnant women who work their core muscles regularly are reported to experience shorter labours, reduced back pain during pregnancy and reduced pelvic pain. It also significantly helps the process of returning to your pre-pregnancy shape after childbirth if that is your goal. Exercise during pregnancy boosts the immune system and circulation, and boosts energy levels. After childbirth you will want to ensure you are working on your pelvic floor, and Pilates is an excellent way to do that.
Each of our classes ends with a minimum 5 minute relaxation portion to prepare you to re-enter your day. This part of class allows you to take a moment to reflect on your practice, feel the work your body has done and send gratitude to it, and to allow the body a period of readjustment after the work out. We also use it as an opportunity to bring focus back to the breath, and to calm the mind and body after the intensity of the workout.
Pilates is for everyone, no matter your gender, age or fitness background. Our classes accept people of all kinds and we see a marked improvement in posture, strength and flexibility each week. Our classes aim to help you with your functional movement in day to day life, and you will feel the benefits quickly with consistent practice.
Check out our classes page to see what we have to offer in terms of Pilates and conditioning style classes!
