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PILATES
Pilates is a training system founded by Joseph Pilates ( 1880-1967). Joseph was a sickly child and he developed his own exercise programme which he called 'contrology' to improve his health. By the time he was a teenager Joseph posed for anatomy charts because his muscles were so well developed. During World War I Joseph was interned and he started sharing his training system with the other prisoners and developed rehabilitation programmes for those injured during the war. One of Joseph Pilates' philiosophies was to work with the individual person and develop a programme to meet their needs with an emphasis on promoting the connection between the mind, body and spirit. Although many of Joseph Pilates' original 34 exercises have niw been adapted or modified his original philosophy lives on in thee Six Principles of Modern Pilates: 1) Breathing - Using lateral thoracic breathing to maximise expansion of the lungs and lower ribcage and using timing of the breath to maximise the effectiveness of the movement 2) Concentration - Focus on the present and the quality of the movement 3) Control - Being in control of every movement your body makes with coordination and balance 4) Centring - The ability to control movement of the body from your centre (core), your core is your powerhouse 5) Precision - Moving precisely and correctly, requires coordination, alignment of your body, control of breath and centring 6) Flowing Movement - Moving smoothly with precision and control, a natural result if the other Principles are applied Pilates classes are held as 6 week courses. Maximum class size is small, typically 8-10 people per class. I also offer pairs or 1:1 personal training sessions in the comfort of your own home at times to suit you. Personal training may be appripriate if you are unable to attend the group calsses or have more individual requirements, such as injury rehab or a specific training regime. Personal training sessions and group classes can combine Pilates with cardio and/or conditioning exercises depending on your/the group's goals. I like my exercise classes to be fun and interactive with everyone encouraged to work to their own level and ask questions. Exercises can be modified so that EVERYONE can participate in the class fully. TASTER WORKSHOP Designed for beginners to start their journey to physical wellbeing, although anyone is welcome to attend (even experienced Pilates participants can benefit from revisiting the basics). The Taster Workshop will introduce you to the Principles of Pilates. Performed correctly Pilates exercises are very functional and promote good posture, heightened body awareness and a lean toned physique. The workshop lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes with a maximum of 8 people per class. Although Pilates can seem slow and boring to a novice, the sequence of exercises should flow smoothly and the moves are dynamic, unlike many forms of yoga poses are not held for long periods. The rhythmic breathing used in Pilates is very relaxing, and at the end of the class you should feel energised and refreshed with both mind and body gently exerted! For details of the next Taster Workshop please see the EVENTS page A signed registration PAR-Q form is required for each class participant. You must complete the form and bring it with you to your first class. The registration form can be downloaded HERE. |
