What is Pilates Exercise?

Originally developed by Joseph Pilates, who in the 1920’s created his system of exercises, now known as the Pilates Method. He first helped patients in an infirmary to regain strength and mobility and to overcome illness and disability, eventually setting up the first Pilates studio in New York, where his highly successful method attracted professional Dancers, Actors, Athletes and Gymnasts.

The Pilates method of exercise is now a recognised and respected method of mind-body conditioning, recommended by GP’s, Physiotherapists and Osteopaths.

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Pilates helps build a strong core - those abdominals that support the pelvis and the spine and promotes joint health. Mat or floor based exercises can be learned and performed with modifications to suit the needs of the individual, which can then later transition into new positions and exercises with some flow from one movement to the next. The flow centers around control and precision of all the movements. The ultimate mind-body form of exercise with a diversity of exercises to suit a range of levels from beginner to advanced and all ages and abilities. Pilates is a form of body conditioning that feels good and fits everyone with motivation towards a healthy lifestyle and can be particularly useful to those with a keen interest in any sport activities such as Golf, Skiing, Horse Riding, Ice Skating and Dancers to mention just a few.

Why do Pilates?

You don't need to be young and flexible to benefit from doing Pilates. 

Pilates exercises are beneficial for everyone and can be carefully chosen and modified to make the exercises suitable for all ages and levels of ability when done correctly and supervised by a qualified Pilates Instructor.

• IMPROVE POSTURE

• MUSCLE STRENGTH

• JOINT MOBILITY

• FLEXIBILITY

• BALANCE

• STABILITY

• BONE DENSITY & JOINT HEALTH

• IMPROVE BREATHING & CIRCULATION

• STRESS RELIEF & IMPROVED SELF ESTEEM

• REDUCE MECHANICAL BACK PAIN

My style of teaching - Am I the right Teacher for you?

"My therapeutic approach and holistic style of teaching is very customer focussed, which is why I particularly like to work on a private 1-1 basis or 2-1 semi-private basis with a couple of people as it means that I can monitor progress more closely, assist by modifying exercises and correcting poor movement patterns and tailor making a plan or sequence of exercises to suit the individuals concerned. I like to avoid simply rushing through a list of exercises at a fast pace at the expense of precision and quality of the movement. The "less is more" approach is a good description.

I always aim to be as patient and encouraging as possible, explaining the benefits of doing a movement and not just the "how to do it" but also the "how to feel it"  to enable people to have a deeper understanding and therefore be able to make the movement more efficient, aligned and balanced its nature. Everyone has a different ability, personal motivation to achieve a different outcome, sometimes there's also apprehension about trying something new, perhaps an unfamiliar or even uncomfortable and challenging movement, often when the body has suffered chronic pain or discomfort previously, naturally it's human nature to avoid the thing that causes us a negative feeling or sensation, so I like to facilitate the individuals' own ability to move safely, within their own comfort range and to go on a voyage of self discovery, with small challenges and gradual familiarity and whilst growing a renewed trust and self confidence in themselves and what is possible, the physical body will, given time and repetition, also bring about positive changes, when the mind can feel comfortable and positive to allow it".    

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PILATES FOR ALL also combined with some Yoga style exercises for function, postural and joint health, general fitness and mind-body conditioning. 

PILATES FOR DANCERS

PILATES FOR GOLFERS

STRETCH TECH learn how to get results using techniques to stretch safely for greater flexibility

Why choose Private 1-1 tuition versus larger group sessions?

Pilates exercises can be taught in group Pilates general fitness style classes that are designed for the fit and well, but also Pilates is commonly taught in a private 1-1 setting to provide closer Teacher supervision and it provides the ability to have a range of exercises tailored specifically to suit the needs of the participants.

1-1 private tuition is an ideal way of learning Pilates and practicing with close supervision when extra caution should be adopted, in times to address specific problems such as back pain or other musculo-skeletal problems or other postural issues, for injury prevention, rehabilitation after injury, and post operatively for recovery.

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