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The Pilates Method is not a new age phenomenon,
but has in fact been around for some 80 years.
Its founder, Joseph Pilates observed that, when
there was a weakness or misaligned area in the
body, a person tended to overcompensate or
overdevelop another area. Therefore it was
critical not only to correct the misalignment
but also to re-educate the body so that injuries
did not repeat themselves. He also believed that
true well-being could be achieved through
physical fitness and positive mental attitude.
Pilates works so gentle with your body, it is
one of the safest forms of exercises to
participate in and is also suitable for people
with medical conditions such as asthma,
pregnancy, heart condition, diabetes, high blood
pressure, MS and bone and joint disorders.
(Please inform us when booking a place if you
have a medical condition)
About its founder
Joseph.H.Pilates was born in 1880 in Germany.
Joseph grew up plagued by health problems, such
as asthma and rheumatic fever, he was determined
to over come this and began studying and
developed an exercise programme that assisted in
restoring him to optimal health.
Many of the exercise beliefs he researched dated
back to the Greeks and Romans and through his
programme he gained enough strength to become an
accomplished body builder, diver, skier and
gymnast.
The Benefits: Taking part in a Pilates classes
has many health benefits, regular training
provides improvements not only in how your body
looks but also how you feel.
The Pilates Method can be seen as an educational
exercise programme. Pilates focuses on eight
principles to bring the mind and body together,
helping you to achieve a toned, longer, leaner
looking body. These are:
1. Concentration.
2. Breath.
3. Centering.
4. Relaxation.
5. Quality.
6. Flowing Movements.
7. Awareness.
8. Stamina.
Joseph believed that all movements initiate from
a strong centre or “core”, the powerhouse of the
body.
A strong “core” stabilizes and supports the
trunk, insuring that the least amount of stress
is placed upon the tissues of the body,
including discs, ligaments and other soft
tissues. Pilates does not put force on the
joints but rather on the muscles that support
them. From a strong centre allows the slow
controlled flowing movements that work different
muscles to tone and condition the body, while
developing correct breathing, good posture and
mental concentration and focus. Pilates also
improves balance, coordination and flexibility
of the joints and muscles of the body.
About the Class. Pilates matwork sessions are
run in groups, although the classes are not
specifically designed for individuals, every
effort is made to ensure that attention is given
to every individual and their needs when
attending a class.
During the class you will participate in a
series of matwork exercises, when performing the
exercises you repeat each movement only a few
times - usually 5 - 10 reps of each. (The theory
of “less is more is applied) The routine is not
defined as “aerobic” but as you become more
proficient and can perform the movements in
flowing succession you will notice and increase
in the heart rate. Posture is re-taught with
each class enabling greater understanding and
execution of the techniques.
Level of work can be modified based on
individual skills, strength and ability. As you
progress you will become aware of your bodies
strengths and weaknesses and learn how to
balance those differences and bring the body
back to alignment. |
