• Strengthen the core muscles;
• Get toned, long and lean muscles without bulk;
• Improve strength, flexibility and balance;
• Relieve back, shoulder, hip, knee, neck and ankle pain;
• Improve the way your body looks and feels;
• Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy;
• Reduce migraines;
• Strengthen bones – to manage osteoarthritis and osteoporosis;
• Improve circulation;
• Assist in recovery from injury;
• Prevention of injury
• Enhance mobility, agility and stamina;
• Improve posture;
• Engage the mind and enhance body awareness;
• Help manage asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome and depression.
• You will feel better physically and mentally, stand taller, move effortlessly and most importantly, feel great!

Pilates is beneficial for people of all ages, fitness levels and body conditions.

I like to think of Pilates as a bridge between physical fitness and physical therapy. It can be adapted, modified and customised for individual needs.

Some advanced moves and sequences will challenge the most elite athlete while other exercises are suitable for even the frailest physique.

If you’re new to Pilates, it is always advisable to start with a private consultation. Where we can discuss your needs and I can tailor a program to suit your individual body.

Beginner Pilates sessions move at a slower pace and give you plenty of time to adjust to each exercise and learn the fundamental principles of Pilates.

Once you understand the basics, you maybe ready to move onto a small group class, which I will be offering at a later stage.

At the end of class, expect to feel refreshed, both physically and mentally, and surprised at how an exercise that doesn’t involve running or jumping feels like a real workout!

You don’t need to be at any fitness or flexibility level to start Pilates. In fact it’s one of the best places to start.

I often offer modifications to many of the exercises and encourage you to workout at your own pace. It’s always ok to take a break if you need to during a workout. I encourage my clients to always listen to their body.

Please see the next question “if i have an injury” to have more detail around this topic.

I have helped hundreds of clients reduce pain and rehabilitate from injury.

Various conditions but not limited to, disc buldge/herniation, spondolythesis, scoliosis, knee injuries – meniscus tear, hip bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, ankle or foot pain/injuries, after c-section or hysterectomy rehabilitation, polio conditions, and one of my regular clients was blind.

Developing strong core muscles can definitely help improve back problems. Many people find Pilates is an excellent choice for preventing or managing existing injuries.

I always recommend a private consultation when you have an injury or pain as well as getting a clearance from your physio or doctor before trying classes or exercise program.

You will be building and toning your muscles and muscles continue to burn calories, even after you have finished the class.

Sometimes our classes incorporate an element of cardio to help get your heart rate up. It is always good to incorporate some cardio workouts with your Pilates if you are wanting to loose weight. However with a healthy diet and a good mix of classes, you can definitely lose weight.

It’s up to you how often you practice Pilates, however our recommendation to see results is at least two or three times a week.

Joseph Pilates famously said: “In 10 classes you will feel the difference, In 20 classes you will see the difference, and in 30 classes you will have a whole new body.”

It is also important to maintain a proper diet and engage in other activities such as cardio.

Definitely not! You will enjoy the many benefits of Pilates no matter how flexible you are. Over time, as you continue to practice Pilates, your body will become more flexible.

Here are 5 differences and some similarities…

Similarities between Pilates & Yoga

Both help to;

• Increase body awareness
• Help concentration
• Improve posture and alignment of body
• Help prevent and rehabilitate from injuries

Differences between Pilates & Yoga

PILATES                                                                           

1. Focuses on strengthening – especially the core and smaller stabilizing muscles of the joins. Pilates works the body with a stable base of support.
2. Is a more physical form of exercise with a focus on the brth and living a health lifestyle
3. Pilates is dynamic and usually keeps you moving. There is less holding poses and stretches. Although there are various styles that do add stretches.
4. Pilates is uses for rehabilitation with great success, and often works alongside physiotherapy. Depending on the style of Pilates is offers modifications suitable for injury and can be tailored to most body types. Sometimes props or equipment are used to help rehabilitation.
5. Developed by German born, Joseph H. Pilates during World War 1. He drew influences from Yoga and many other forms of exercises such as martial arts, acrobatics and weight lifting.

YOGA

1. Focuses more on stretching, flexibility and strength. Its focus is more looking at the whole body as the core.
2. Yoga has a far more spiritual element as well as physical and also focuses on breath and a healthy lifestyle.
3. Yoga (depending on the style) can be dynamic and have a flow, yet can also focus on holding poses and stretches.
4. Yoga is also great for rehabilitation, and sometimes also needs to be modified depending on your specific injury. Some yoga styles are better suited for rehabilitation or modifying for your specific body type, such as Iyengar. Yoga also uses props to modify.
5. Yoga originated in India. The Yoga Sutras (aphorisms or sentences) were written about 2000 years ago by a sage (someone who has attained wisdom) called Pantanjali.

If you would like to read a blog post I have written on the topic please go to; What is the difference between Pilates & Yoga Blog

Working out is different than practicing Pilates. Being in good shape is helpful for any physical activity, however before attempting an advanced Pilates exercises, you would need to be familiar with the fundamentals of Pilates.

Therefore we would always start you off on some of the basic level, and see how your body responds and where you’re at in terms of ‘Pilates strength’, then progress you as quickly as needed to keep you continually challenged.