What are the health benefits of pilates?
Pilates can help improve posture, muscle tone and flexibility, core strength
and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension.
Can pilates help reduce back pain?
There's some evidence that pilates can provide pain relief to people with
non-specific low back pain. For the exercises to be effective, they need to
be tailored to the individual and taught by a qualified teacher.
Can pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates isn't an effective activity for losing weight. If you want to lose weight
you should combine pilates with a healthy diet and some aerobic activities,
such as swimming, walking and cycling.
Am I too old for pilates?
No. Pilates is suitable for people of all ages - even people aged in their 80s
Do I have to be fit to do pilates?
No. You work at your own level and the instructor will help you progress
against yourself - not anyone else. Pilates is suitable for people of all levels
of fitness. It's a more gentle way of raising your activity levels, especially if
you have poor mobility, aches and pains or an injury. Before starting any
exercise programme it's advisable to seek advice from your GP or a health
professional if you have any health concerns, such as a health condition or
an injury.
Can I injure myself doing pilates?
Pilates is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise. Injuries are uncommon.
What's the difference between pilates and
yoga?
Both pilates and yoga focus on developing strength, balance, flexibility,
posture and good breathing technique. With its emphasis on the unity
between the mind and body, yoga has a more spiritual side than pilates. The
main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to
increase the strength and flexibility of the whole body) and breathing.
Pilates also uses breathing, but its exercises focus much more on precise
movements to target specific parts of the body.
How do I get started?
Before taking part in classes or private sessions all of our clients have a
one-on-one introductory session. In this session, Sarah will go over
muscle activation, positioning, and the types of classes offered. During
your introduction session you will also have an opportunity to have a go
at exercises both on the mat and on the reformer machines, and discuss
any concerns you may have.
What should I wear?
Wear clothing that you feel comfortable in and are able to move in. Make
sure you bring a pair of socks with you, as you will not be wearing shoes.
