Pilates is a body conditioning form of exercise. It was originally designed by Joseph Pilates and after suffering with a number of ailments, he managed to come up with a regime to strengthen his body and mind.
Most of the exercises are mat based and suitable for all fitness levels ranging from, the injured or elderly, to athletes & dancers. To join a group class it is important that you can get down to the floor and up again, even if you need help. If you’re not sure, it may be worth booking a private class first, so we can talk through any worries you have.
The exercises are mainly slow and controlled, using co-ordination and concentration, but although it may look easy, it certainly will work muscles you didn’t even know you had! Pilates exercises mainly focus on your core abdominal muscles, which help to strengthen and support your back, helping to reduce problems in that area. They also help to correct other movement issues in the rest of the body, commonly tense shoulders and necks, or tightness in the hips and hamstrings, so that eventually your body will be balanced and work correctly.
Great for relaxation…
We also place some importance in breathing and use the breath to enhance the exercises, this is great for relaxation and many clients say they sleep really well after participating in a class. You will find the hour goes like a flash because you finally start to relax through your body and increase your circulation.
Personal attention
Each class has a maximum of 12 clients, but some classes have much less. This is to ensure that everyone gets personal attention and correction during the class. It also means that exercises can be changed to suit your body type and any current issues or injuries you may have.
We try to have various social gatherings during the year and I often meet up with various clients for a coffee and a chat!
Clients have also had great support from other members of the class when going through their own life challenges, I have literally seen people flourish under stressful situations.