PILATES
FAQs
Below are some FAQs on Pilates. Please contact me if you have any further questions about my Pilates classes.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
The health benefits of pilates include greater muscular balance, improved stability, increased flexibility, improved body awareness and co-ordination, improved breathing mechanics and increased concentration. It is great for prevention of injuries and also early and late stage rehabilitation.
What should I wear?
The clothes you wear for Pilates need to be comfortable. Wear soft, stretchy fabrics and avoid zips and pockets. Accessories such as jewellery and watches are best removed for comfort and safety. Tie long hair back and have bare feet or socks – no shoes required!
Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates is famous for creating long, lean, fit bodies. There are many ways that doing Pilates supports weight loss and a trimmer appearance: Exercise burns calories. How many calories you burn depends on your body type and your level of exertion. Creating lean muscle mass, as Pilates does, is one of the best ways to increase your calorie-burning potential. Pilates tones and shapes the body.
One of the best ways to look and feel thinner is to have beautiful posture. Pilates creates a leaner look by emphasising both length and good alignment. Pilates promotes deep and efficient respiration, which is essential for calorie burning and tissue regeneration.Engaging in an exercise program, like Pilates, promotes self-esteem and heightened lifestyle consciousness. Both are associated with weight loss. Pilates is an enlivening workout that can help sustain energy levels throughout your day. However, it is not usually done as aerobic exercise. Therefore, some people enjoy combining Pilates with aerobic/cardio exercise in order to maximise their weight loss.
Why should I do Pilates?
Pilates is a low impact exercise which is great if you are struggling with injury, are pregnant, or just need a change from your normal impact regime! It is a great adjunct to any weight training programme as it focuses on stability and control rather then global power. As a result it is also amazing for posture.
What’s the difference between working out on the equipment and the Pilates Mat classes?
Mat classes really focus on core work and require you to support your body and are very challenging. Pilates equipment gives you a frame to work within that is often more helpful than mat but can be more challenging when springs are added or taken away. Working on the equipment can also target and tone specific areas of your body very efficiently.
Which is a better workout, Mat or Reformer?
Both are fantastic workouts and complement each other. Mat is challenging because you are on your own and have to control and challenge your body with just that, your body and mind. Reformer is a great workout because you have the machine to support you and also the added weight with springs to really work on specific areas of your body and challenge it. People like them for different reasons and it is a personal choice. Doing both is the traditional way of practicing Pilates.
Do you have a lot of male clients? Do they take the group classes (reformer and mat)?
Yes we have a growing number of male clients. And they take all of our classes!
Can I still practise Pilates if I'm pregnant?
It is vital that you consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise routine if you are pregnant. Once you get clearance from them it is safe to practise Pilates, however it is important that you constantly communicate with your instructor throughout. I am fully qualified to teach pregnant clients.
I recently had surgery. Can I take Pilates?
Yes, depending on what type of surgery. We do require a medical release from your doctor and then an instructor will work with you to begin strengthening and getting back to your best self.
Will Pilates help my flexibility?
Of course ! Every exercise emphasises lengthening and strengthening all the muscles. We cant change the genetic length of a muscle but we can make it as flexible as nature intended, The beauty of Pilates is that as you stretch the muscles you also work them brining them into balance.
Do I need to bring anything to class?
No all mats, weights, pads and other equipment is supplied by us, so all you need to bring to class is yourself and a smile.
