PILATES FOR BEGINNERS
It’s all too common – everyone’s heard about it, and we’ve all seen the stories about the celebrities that have reached the pinnacle of physical fitness by practising Pilates, but…what exactly is it?
More often than not, Pilates classes have an air of avoidance due to the perception that they’re only for the most hardened of exercise enthusiasts or those most flexible. You’ll be delighted to know that this is not true. Pilates, certainly the way that we teach, is for anybody’s body and we have a weekly schedule of “in person” and online small group classes that reach out to all clients at all levels.
We’ve summarised some of the key questions below that every newbie has about Pilates, to dispel some of the myths that surround it.
Is it for you? Most definitely. How it can work for you is all down to you and your goals. Let’s get stuck in.
What is Pilates?
Pilates; classes are generally 60 minutes in duration and are a low-impact form of exercise that aims to improve postural alignment and flexibility through the strengthening of muscles primarily (but not exclusively) focused around your core. Movements are slow, controlled and precise, with emphasis on using the core and a breathing technique which, when combined enable you to achieve good form. We sometimes use small equipment in classes for variety and for challenging the body further; resistance bands and small balls, for example.
The key take away is this – Pilates strengthens your core, which is the foundation of your body. With a stronger core your body will be more stable; you can move more efficiently, improve your posture and increase flexibility. It is a fantastic addition to your overall health and wellbeing and is complementary to every sport and activity.
How can I learn?
When we are not offering a Beginners Course, you can learn the method in-person, privately. This can be 1-1, 2-1 or even a small group of 4 people. If your pathway is to join a class, then we can teach you the foundations so that you can join a class and feel confident that you understand the basics, but work at your own pace.
If your pathway is to learn Pilates Matwork or Reformer privately, working on your specific goals, then we can diarise regular 1-1 sessions for you, at my Studio in Hope Bowdler.
Some of the other benefits
You will feel better about your body tone and strength. We know that this enhances confidence and self esteem and will reach all areas of your life.
You will notice that you have less aches and pains – so much so, that these no longer sap your energy.
You will be aware of your posture and will no doubt self-correct daily.
Your friends will notice a difference!
Pilates is a focussed practice which means that whilst you are doing Pilates, you will have little time to think about anything else. This provides a wonderful opportunity for the brain to switch off. You can call it active meditation if you like! Taking time out to focus on you is not to be under-stated.
Who is Joseph Pilates?
Introducing you to Joseph Hubertus Pilates, born on the 9th December 1883 in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Introduced by his father to fitness and gymnastics in an effort to combat numerous ailments that he suffered with during his youth, Pilates dedicated his life to improving his own physical fitness as well as those around him.
At heart, he believed that bad posture and inefficient breathing lay at the roots of poor health. This ultimately led him to devise a series of exercise and training techniques, all engineered by his own equipment and specifications to teach his methods properly. Originally called ‘contrology’ these exercises later became known as the practise of Pilates – a movement was born.
What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
First of all, the great news is that both Pilates and Yoga are great for stress management in what has become an increasingly stressful and busy modern world. Greater focus on health and wellbeing has taken centre stage in the minds of many individuals, which has translated into the meteoric rise in both practises since the turn of the century. This growth in popularity has given rise to many different classes, which is where the complexity comes in for beginners – which should you undertake and where should you start? Well, that all depends on your goals.
Pilates is all about increasing strength alongside flexibility, and (as discussed above) has roots in healing and rehabilitation. It’s all about using your mind to connect to the inner workings of the body. Yoga on the other hand tends to be more spiritual, and uses the body to connect with the mind and the inner self. Whilst there are subtle differences between the two, both are forms of low intensity, low impact, inclusive exercises which compliment each other in their pursuit to enrich the body and mind.
What is Pilates good for?
Regular practitioners say that Pilates is great for improving muscle tone, posture, balance and joint mobility – all great for improving our health and wellbeing, including the relief of stress and tension. For elite athletes including dancers, gymnasts, footballers, golfers, tennis players and more.. Pilates can complement wider training schedules by developing whole-body strength and and reducing the risk of injury.
Other benefits include helping to relieve those with existing injuries, such as back-pain (including sciatica) or other forms of joint and muscular pain. Outside of aiming to achieve better health and wellbeing, for a treatment plan to be effective for those with an existing injury, a tailored plan is required that targets the specific problem area. Undertaking a private Pilates class ahead of undertaking a class is a sensible course of action to take here, as it ensures that you follow a course of treatment that will benefit you the most ahead of undertaking more advanced techniques.
How can I start?
If you would like more information about our Classes or would like to talk to me about a private session, you can reach me through the “get in touch” button on this site, text or call on 07979 514 580 – Wendy Joelson