Pilates is a full-body exercise system that can be performed on the mat or using the assistance of a series of machines to perform exercises. The main focus is full body integration; regardless of the exercise being performed or the position the body assumes, you work the entire body during your movement. The exercises also promote symmetry throughout your body.

Pilates is low-impact and safe. However, do not be fooled because, as you progress through the exercises, there is the option to move into more challenging exercises.

The idea is to carry the vitality and strength gained from practices into everyday life. I have learned from Pilates that no part of the body is inferior to the other; they all work together to produce beautiful, strong movement from a very functional and strong body.

Your first session will include movement assessment and also an introduction to the
equipment in the studio. The pace and flow of the exercises with depend on the
individual’s circumstance (i.e. are we working with an injury?) or the session you are booked in for (e.g. pelvic floor health).

I am there to support and explain the movements and how they benefit the individual. I recommend the initial one-to-one assessment to individuals who intend to join a class. The sessions are conducted in a calm atmosphere, and I am ready to listen to your thoughts and concerns.

Lose fitting clothes or clothes as you would wear in the gym. We do not need trainers,
but you can wear Pilates grip socks for your sessions. I provide the equipment.

Pilates and yoga are both low-impact exercises that have their own type and style of flow, depending on the school of Pilates or yoga you subscribe to. There is a level of spirituality to yoga that I have not yet come across in Pilates. The differences that I have noticed are:

1. In Pilates, there is whole line of equipment in Pilates which employ springs and pulleys to offer resistance and assistance during exercises. The springs were employed by Joseph Pilates to assist the teacher in observing movement and teaching, as well as supporting the client in movement. The springs can either make the exercises more challenging or help the client achieve an exercise which they would normally have found difficult without the spring/equipment assistance.

2. This second difference, according to WebMD, ‘When practising yoga, you typically
adopt a position and hold it, or flow into a different position. In Pilates, you adopt a position and then challenge you core by moving your arms and legs in that position.

I would typically say if you are breathing, then yes. However, I understand that in all situations, there is an exception. In my experience, I have yet to meet a person who has not found it beneficial, from recovering from injuries to improving performance in sport and even reducing stress and tension in the muscles.

‘I have had clients whose initial concern the pain they were in later progress to taking on sports like running as they regained confidence in their bodies’

It is vital that you consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise routine if you are pregnant. Once you get clearance from them, it is safe to practice Pilates; however, it is important that you constantly communicate with your instructor throughout. I am fully qualified to teach pregnant and post natal women; however, I offer only One to One Pre and Post natal Sessions.

Pilates can be aerobic as well as strength-building, depending on the pace and the exercise. As you improve and increase your pace and stamina, you can explore the many exercises that will challenge you.Initially, the workout is slow-moving because everything is being explained to you.

Pilates exercises change in the posture and awareness of the body as you go through your Pilates practice. This alone will change the way you present yourself to the world. The nature of the exercise causes you to feel longer, free and more open through your body causing you to employ a grace you perhaps never knew you possessed. I hesitate to say weight loss as nutrition has a lot to do with weight loss. I have however
noticed people look leaner with a better posture.
With all things, commitment is key.

Pilates will improve flexibility as you gain strength. Every exercise emphasises
lengthening and strengthening all the muscles. When we talk about length, the muscle
fibres do no grow any longer, the exercises will encourage the muscles to explore, reach
and retain the original length. We create balance and strength as we explore length.

It is true almost all of the Pilates equipment look interesting and I have had many people call them many names, ‘The Rack’ being one. When you try the equipment, you notice how kind and supportive movement on them are. Yes, they may show where your need help by exposing a weakness in an area you thought strong, but that is the whole idea of it. Subtle movements sometimes telling a great story about your body. This was the idea Joseph Pilates had when developing the devices. l love the Pilates equipment for the conversation it generates and the function it provides in the studio.

-REFORMER – The TOWER–WUNDA CHAIR –CLASSICAL MAT –BARRELS/SPINE CORRECTOR-PEDIPOLE

It is essential that you make sure you speak to your teacher about their qualifications as
you will be entrusting your body to them. You are looking to see that they have spent a
reasonable (over 12 months) amount of time learning hands on and engaging course
and are committed to continuous learning.

Pilates is safe enough to do every day. There is the issue of cost and time so my advice will be as often as you can, at the studio or at home with advice from your teacher with especially if you are just beginning. Joseph Pilates used to say to do it three times a week.

Yes, in the early days, you may experience the ‘I have just exercised’ kind of pain. You can also experience this when a new level of exercise is introduced.

Be consistent, be intentional as well. As everything it may be challenging in the beginning. I assure you it will get better and you will love every session.

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