WHAT IS PILATES?

Pilates is a method of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates in 1920s. Pilates increases strength and flexibility and develops stability in order to gain greater control within movement. Because of its core focus, Pilates is popular not only in the field of fitness, but also in rehabilitation. The focus on strengthening the core and improving postural awareness are especially well indicated for the alleviation and prevention of back, neck and joint pain. All bodies have their own unique muscle imbalances regardless of gender. Pilates conditions the body from head to toe with a no- to low-impact approach suitable for all ages and abilities. It requires patience and practice, but results will follow. The initial Pilates exercises can feel slow and relatively gentle because they build strength slowly from the inside out. However, the fact that many elite sportsmen use the method to enhance their performance indicates how challenging the exercises become.

WHO SHOULD PRACTICE PILATES?

Pilates is for everyone! It doesn’t matter if you are fifteen, forty five, sixty or more ASPIRE Pilates has the perfect Pilates routine and workout for you! At ASPIRE Pilates Studio, clients are given exceptional one-on-one attention to help develop an exercise programme that fits their personal needs and goals.

HOW IS PILATES DIFFERENT FROM OTHER REGIMENS?

Pilates is a gentle and effective form of exercise that combines eastern and western principles of mental awareness and physical vitality. You will be taught to exercise with the main Pilates principles of concentration, focus, and centring. The exercises work the whole body. At ASPIRE Pilates Studio we incorporate both mat and apparatus training as part of the entire Pilates programme.

IS PILATES AN EFFECTIVE WEIGHT-LOSS METHOD?

It is recommended that Pilates is incorporated with cardiovascular workouts as part of an entire fitness regime. Although Pilates is highly effective at improving flexibility, postural alignment, circulation, muscle toning and core strengthening, cardio and Pilates mat class or private training session is also highly effective.

I HAVE AN INJURY. CAN I DO PILATES?

If you have injury or restricted movement, please call us or email so we can advise on the most suitable way forward.

WHAT ABOUT PILATES FOR ‘SPORTS TRAINING’?

A custom programme to help attain specific body and/or muscular performance objectives for sport enthusiasts and professionals. It will greatly enhance your performance whether you play golf or tennis, whether you run, cycle and swim. Olympic athletes incorporate Pilates into their training routines, so why not try it?

HOW DO I CHOOSE BETWEEN PRIVATE AND GROUP CLASSES?

If you have any significant injuries or pain in your body, privates are your best option to begin. Privates are taught in a highly personalised way. Group classes are designed with generally healthy bodies in mind. For a healthy person they offer great benefits, but they may contain some exercises which could aggravate a pre-existing injury. If you don’t have any injuries the choice is up to you. If you’d like access to the full range of Pilates repertoire, including equipment and floor-based work, choose private over group mat classes. If you’d like the fastest possible results, choose a personalised studio programme in preference to group classes. Finally, consider what suits you best in terms of cost and time. Group classes are less expensive but you are restricted to a set timetable. Privates cost more but offer far greater flexibility as you book them at times that suit you.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO CLASS? WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

We provide all the equipment you need when you attend class, including mats. All you need to do is wear comfortable exercise clothes (such as leggings and a t-shirt or tracksuit pants and a t-shirt) and bring a clean pair of socks and a water bottle.

IS PILATES ALSO FOR MEN?

Pilates is often seen as a ‘woman’s’ activity but Joseph Pilates developed the exercises on his own body. In addition to this, many of the original instructors were male and many elite male athletes have used the method within their training. Men are often generally used to going to the gym and/or participating in team sports. Often these activities encourage ‘power’ but at the expense of developing deeper ‘core’ strength and stability. As a result, many muscle groups can become tight and over dominant and begin to inhibit movement and technique.

CAN I DO PILATES WHEN PREGNANT?

The exercises are gentle enough to suit pregnant women. The programmes are tailor-made to accommodate the structural and physiological changes that happen month to month, so that you can safely and effectively condition your body during all stages of your pregnancy. After giving birth, Pilates will help train and strengthen your body, quickly bringing your body back to shape and giving you the much needed energy to look after your new born baby safely.

CAN PILATES BE DONE AT A YOUNG AGE?

Scientific research continuously points to the fact that our children do not exercise enough and that the quality of their exercise is not sufficient to maintain optimal physical and mental health. Why not introduce them to a safe and effective form of exercise that will not only increase their strength, stamina and flexibility, but also help improve their concentration, mental agility and self-esteem? Pilates has been shown to increase both strength and flexibility in children. Simultaneously, learning Pilates at a young age may help prevent injuries and stimulate a more positive attitude toward lifetime physical activity.