FAQ’s

Can anyone do Pilates? 

Because Pilates can be modified to provide either a gentle strength training program or a challenging workout, most people would have no problem with this form of exercise. It is suitable both for beginners and for people who already exercise regularly. 
If you're a beginner you can start with basic exercises and then once you've mastered those, you can work on the more advanced moves. It's a good idea when you're just starting out in Pilates to go to Pilates exercise classes or have a private instructor. This way the instructor can make sure that you are doing the exercises correctly to avoid any injury. It is recommended to check with your health professional if you haven't exercised for a while, are older or pregnant, or have health problems. 

What Health Benefits Can Be Obtained from Pilates? 

As Pilates focuses on core strength, posture and flexibility the health benefits include: 

• Improved posture - Pilates will teach you to gain and maintain good posture. The exercises require that your body is always in alignment. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from lower back pain. 

• Increased muscular strength, endurance and tone - The exercises involve the use of muscles that you may not use on a daily basis. 

• Flatter tummy - Because Pilates focuses on strengthening your core which includes your abdominal muscles, you'll find that one of the benefits of Pilates is that it will result in a flat stomach. 

• Improved Flexibility - As we age we tend to lose the flexibility we had when we were young. Pilates will restore your flexibility, gently at first of course. After a while though, you'll be amazed at how much more flexible your body has become. This is especially important for avoiding injuries from falls. 

• Improved balance - Through the mind-body connection which is taught in Pilates you will become much more aware of how your body moves and performs. Therefore Pilates not only improves your physical balance through correct posture but will also restore your mind-body balance. 

• Reduces stress levels - When doing the exercises, you'll be totally engrossed and won't be able to think about all those responsibilities that weigh you down on a day to day basis. You'll be more focused on your breathing and on the moves that you are making with your body. This is an excellent way to relieve stress. 

• Sense of well-being - Because Pilates focuses on providing balance between your mind and body it gives you an overall sense of well-being. 

Other benefits : greater joint mobolity, increased joint stability, improved coordination, increased efficiciency of respiratory and circulatory system, impproved lymphatic drainage, reduced lower back pain, reduced risk of injury. 

What Areas of The Body Does Pilates Target? 

Pilates works mainly on your core which includes your abdominal area and your spinal area. This is why Pilates can be extremely beneficial for people who suffer from lower back pain. 
Other areas of your body that are strengthened and toned through Pilates include your back, legs, especially your upper thighs, and your buttocks. 

What do I need, any equipment? 

Just you, your mat and some water! You may want to have a small towel/foam block to hand use under the head or other body areas for comfort/support. Or you may want to use a stretchy scarf/resistance band to help aid a particular exercise. 

Once you progress you can start to use equipment to add resistance or increase instability for example weights, resistance bands, exercise balls and foam rollers. I will start to use these in some of my online classes once people are at a good level with the basics.

What is the Difference Between Yoga and Pilates? 

Although there are similarities between yoga and Pilates as they both focus on the mind-body connection, yoga tends to focus more on spiritual well being. It is generally a more relaxing form of exercise whereas Pilates is more of a physical program which focuses on toning and strengthening. 

How do I know which class is right for me ? 

Completely new to Pilates : beginners class.

Not done Pilates for a while and need to refresh : beginners or signature class.

Been doing it a while and feel that you really have mastered core engagament on exercises at a beginner to intermediate level : signature or dynamic class.

Been doing Pilates for a long old time, happy with the core engagment and stability principles on an intermediate level and capable of performing the more intermediate to advanced level exercises : you can join any class :) but the dynamic class might be your thing.

For a more personal training approach or if you need greater exercise modifications due to medical conditions, pregnancy, age, low back pain or possible past/current injury, then book in for a private 1:1 class with me. It’s definitely worth it if you have or have had an injury, suffering from particular medical conditions and/or need some support with the exercise moves. This will give you one-on-one attention and I will be able to tailor the different exercises to suit your particular needs. 

Is Pilates Good For Physical Therapy? 

Many rehabilitation clinics and wellness centres now offer Pilates as a form of physical therapy. It is also excellent for athletes, dancers and other sports professionals who have had some kind of injury and need rehabilitation to get back into top form. Because Pilates is a low-impact exercise, it can be tailored to work on certain areas of your body. 

I am part of the exercise referral scheme and so qualified to help in rehabilitation of certain medical conditions. So please contact me direct if this is the case. 

Can Pilates be Done at Home? 

Yes of course. Try my online zoom classes and take part from the comfort of your own home. If you're a complete beginner however, it is advisable that you take a couple in-person classes first so that you can be shown the correct method of doing the exercises. This will avoid any injury that could occur from doing the various moves incorrectly. I do however now offer 1:1 online classes to get you started should you feel the need fo extra help and guidance.
 
So if you are looking for a body and muscle strengthening form of exercise that can be tailored to your particular fitness level and which will help to keep you flexible, then you should definitely consider trying Pilates. 
 
Be prepared though, you'll find that this type of exercise is quite addictive - but exercise that is enjoyable has to be a good thing!