pilates

pilates

WHAT IS PILATES?

By definition, Pilates is a system of repetitive exercises performed on a yoga mat or other equipment to promote strength, stability, and flexibility. Pilates exercises develop the body through muscular effort that stems from the core. The technique cultivates awareness of the body to support everyday movements that are efficient and graceful. As such, Pilates has been popular among dancers but it appeals to a wider audience. Don't be fooled by the fact that it is all mat based. You will find muscles aching that you didn't even know you had!

 

The Pilates Method was developed by Joseph Pilates during the 1920s.Pilates advocates tout the core-strengthening benefits of the method to improve posture and balance. Pilates targets the "powerhouse" muscles, which include the glutes, hips, pelvic floor, and lower back. Similar to yoga, the Pilates Method encourages deep, conscious breathing. Pilates is widely used in rehabilitation settings but is also beneficial to fitness advocates and elite athletes alike.

 

SO WHAT WILL PILATES DO FOR ME?

  • Improve your joint flexibility and range of movement
  • Increase your core strength
  • Help alleviate and prevent back pain
  • Reduce your stress levels
  • Provide a lasting sense of well-being and calm
  • Focus your mind and raise your level of consciousness

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?  

Please bring a mat, this needs to be longer than your body when laid down. You should wear comfortable workout clothes - and no shoes. We do the class in bare feet because you need to feel full contact with the floor for the balancing and postural work. In colder weather you may also need to bring something warm to wear for the relaxation and meditation sequence.

 

WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE CLASSES?

Marske Leisure Centre Tuesday 9.30-10.15

 

HOW MUCH ARE THE CLASSES?

Classes are £4.50 per session. Check out our Special Offers and discounts though for some great savings on classes.

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ATTEND?

You'll feel real benefits from coming to a class just once each week but combining Pilates with other forms of exercise makes for a really great workout. Consider attending some cardio classes (e.g. Zumba, Combat Cardio), plus some strength and conditioning work such as Toning or Pump.

 

WHEN WILL I NOTICE RESULTS?

It usually takes about three classes to understand the feel and structure of the class and moves. You may experience some mild muscle soreness at first but this will quickly pass and be followed by noticeable strength and flexibility gains and postural improvement. From the very first class you should start to experience the stress-reducing and spiritually renewing benefits of Pilates.

 

PILATES... WHAT'S THAT?

PILATES is about re educating your body away from bad postural habits and linking mind and body for complete well being. The class is great for preventing and alleviating back pain and is often recommended by GPs, physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths as a method to keep the spine healthy and injury free.

 

SO DESCRIBE A TYPICAL CLASS

Each class follows a sequence of exercise disciplines and is made up of simple yet potentially challenging exercises followed by relaxation. Your teacher takes you through the moves and gives you options depending on your level of fitness.
Postural Positioning - To set the body into the correct exercise stance, providing optimal alignment and placement
Warm-up - Easy, flowing moves let you leave your day behind, centre yourself and warm the body.
Spinal Mobility - To prepare the spine and attaching muscles and ligaments for the work to come
Core Strength and Stability work - Strengthen the core abdominal and back muscles.
Flexibility - poses and stretches to create suppleness and flexibility throughout the body.
Relaxation - The final section of the class to deliver the mental and physiological benefits of meditation and enhance the effects of the exercise you have just completed.

 

HOW DO I DO PILATES SAFELY?

Your teacher is there to make sure you do everything correctly, but try to remember:

  • Good posture is the foundation of all exercise.
  • Focus on learning the right technique at the beginning.
  • Work continuously at perfecting your technique.
  • Perform the movements with control - smooth actions, not jerky.
  • Always keep your joints slightly bent, don't lock out your arms or legs.
  • Listen to your body, it will tell you if something is not right.
  • Pilates should feel challenging, but at any time you need to take a rest, that's fine!

Some muscle pain is natural at first, especially if it's the same on both sides of your body. This is muscle soreness. Muscle soreness is typical when starting out on a training programme and normally occurs 24 to 48 hours after exercise. If you have pain down only one side or in the joints, check with the teacher. If the pain continues, see your doctor.


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