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What is Pilates?
Pilates is a holistic exercise system designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to balance; so much more than just building a 'strong core' or 'perfect posture'.
Exercises involve the whole body and are performed on spring-assisted apparatus or a mat, sometimes utilising small equipment.
Pilates is effective as it addresses underlying structural imbalances in the body which can create on-going pain and difficulty with movement. The whole body is considered. Lengthened and strengthened muscles improve posture and overall fitness and retrain dysfunctional movement patterns, restoring optimum physical function.
Regardless of age, ability or fitness level, Pilates is beneficial for everyone.
Regular practitioners of Pilates feel a heightened sense of awareness and ease in their bodies, experiencing less pain and increased mobility. This freedom ultimately leads to increased satisfaction in life!
"The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit." - Joseph Pilates
It is this holistic approach that sets Pilates apart from many other forms of exercise. Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and General Practitioners recommend Pilates as one of the most effective forms of exercise today.
Why reformer?
Reformer Pilates is not a new concept, it is about 100 years old... But recently it has taken the world by storm and this could be because people want more for themselves, mentally, physically and emotionally…
When you incorporate activities that you genuinely look forward to, like Pilates, you’re not just exercising your body; you’re nurturing your mind and spirit.
Above all else, a beautiful routine fosters a sense of community. While anyone can work out at home, stepping out of the house to smile, laugh, and connect with like-minded individuals is truly special. It’s about challenging your body together while nurturing your minds in a supportive environment.
Benefits
Potential health benefits to reformer Pilates:
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Tones muscles: Reformer Pilates provides a full-body workout that can help develop a strong core and tone a variety of major muscle groups.
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Builds strength: By adding springs to certain movements on the Pilates reformer, you can increase the exercise resistance and intensity to build strength.
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Increases flexibility: Reformer Pilates is known to improve not only muscle strength but also flexibility and joint mobility. That's because most of the exercises incorporate dynamic stretching.
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Improves posture: Reformer Pilates can support a strong core, promote flexibility and realign the body and spine, which can result in tremendous improvements in postural alignment.
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Corrects muscle imbalances... Reformer Pilates starts by building a balanced core and then strengthening all sides of the body evenly to fix muscle imbalances.
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Prevents injury: By focusing on posture, form and fixing muscle imbalances, the Pilates reformer can create greater balance and efficiency to help prevent injury in the future.
Reformer Classes
We have several class options to suit all needs:
Core
Using the CORE movements, focusing on posture, linking movement and breath, creating alignment and movement patterns within your body.
Classical
Based on the true principles of Pilates
Contemporary
Contemporary method.
This style has evolved the work of Joseph Pilates using modern science and creative variations
This class is for everyone, there will be options with all the movements to find your level.
We add layers and you chose what works for your body
Classic 50+
Not to be confused with our classical class
This class is for our vintage participants, only getting more refined with time.... Classic
Gentle exercises for those over 50, deconditioned or carrying injuries.
No kneeling, mostly laying and seated postures
Cardio
You will feel your heart beat faster, your lungs work harder.
Jumpboard Pilates to adds a cardiovascular component to your practice,. Building endurance, strength, and coordination while remaining gentle on the joints.
The combination of traditional Pilates and dynamic, high-intensity jumping makes for a full-body workout that can improve performance in other sports
Chill
Gentle relaxed practice to reset, reconnected and focus on deep stretches and deep breaths.
Pregnancy Pilates
Specially trained instructors to guide you through a safe and effective class tailored especially for those in any stage of pregnancy
Core and Cradle
Mum and baby class. Bring your baby along and enjoy some special time bonding while you move your body in a safe way after birth (must be signed off by your Dr to attend)
The Tower
The Pilates tower is also known as the half trapeze. The trapeze tower was a direct adaptation by Joseph Pilates of a bed with a frame with springs attached to support or challenge traditional Pilates mat work. The tower (or half trapeze) is an adaptation that can be used in group classes and almost all the trapeze repertoire can be performed using the half trapeze.
Tower classes allow your body to move in a completely different way – and they feel very different. As the angle of pull on the springs is quite different to the reformer the same exercises – i.e. feet in straps can feel very different and emphasise different muscles. The tower is great for getting an amazing stretch and certainly the feedback from our classes is that the stretch you get in tower classes is amazing (don’t worry – you’re still working hard with that resistance!). The tower also lends itself well to working on spinal mobility and can assist mastering moves like the roll-up and teaser by assisting you through the movement.
A Pilates tower class will work all the major muscles groups, muscular endurance, spinal mobility and flexibility. As we said the tower also provides an amazing stretch and also provides great opportunities to challenge your balance. Many of the exercises we do in Pilates reformer classes can also be done in Pilates tower classes – exercises like short spine, bridging, feet in straps, swam, teaser…… but they will feel different on each piece of equipment.
