“Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play and in the way you work.” Joseph Pilates
WHAT IS PILATES:
Pilates is an exercise system accessible to everybody regardless of age or fitness level, including those recovering from injury. The movements are designed to stretch and strengthen the whole body, improving posture, balance, flexibility and mobility. It was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates around a hundred years ago and influenced by yoga, martial arts and Western forms of exercise. The low impact nature of the movements and the emphasis on muscle lengthening leads to increased strength and leaner muscles.
At Studio Yoga mat based Pilates is taught in small classes allowing the teacher to focus on giving students individual attention. Our teachers have trained with Body Control Pilates. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 12. Private instruction is also available by appointment.
GENERAL CLASSES:
Pilates classes are taught in ability groups: Beginners, Improvers and Intermediates. Beginners sessions break down the exercises into more manageable parts and teach the basic principles of breathing, concentration, relaxation, alignment and centring. For Improvers, the focus changes more to coordination, flowing movements and stamina. These classes may include work with a Swiss Ball and other equipment to improve strength and fitness. Intermediate sessions are for more experienced students putting everything together to truly challenge your core.
PILATES FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS:
A short beginners course is the best way to begin your practice if you have never done Pilates before. At Studio Yoga you can earn the basics such as correct alignment and body awareness with an experienced teacher in a supporting and inspiring environment. The class size is limited to ensure each student received plenty of individual attention. Our next beginners course starts on Tuesday January 22 with Jill Hanna.
Our experience is that people who start this way get more benefit from their classes and make faster progress.
Another option, available at any time, is to have a 1:1 session. These can be arranged to suit and shared with a friend.
PILATES FOR SENIORS:
Pilates is suitable for all ages and these gentle sessions are designed to help the over 70s stay fit and reduce the risk of injury. The exercises focus on controlled breathing and the quality of movement, not the quantity of repetitions. Pilates also helps with a variety of age-related ailments. Arthritis sufferers benefit because the gentle mid-range movements decrease the chance of joints compressing while maintaining the range of motion around them.
