Pilates

Pilates is mat based exercise which focuses on core strength, whilst working every muscle group in the body.

The original Pilates exercises were devised by Joseph Pilates who was born in the 1880's in Germany. Joseph referred to the exercises as "Contrology". We now refer to the exercises as the "Pilates method".

Pilates intially can seem complex due to the body positioning and breathing. Like any other task our bodies soon learn skills and adapt.

For both One-to-One Pilates and Pilates classes, I work on a 6 week programme. This gives the participant time to learn the Pilates exercises and progress. So a Pilates exercise which seems difficult on week 1 will be much easier by week 6.

Pilates is a series of slow controlled movements which flow together. Pilates is about quality rather than quantity so does not involve a large number of repetitions.

Pilates breathing is thoracic breathing, which means breathing through the rib cage, enabling the participant to sustain the engagement of the abdominal muscles.

Pilates can be achievable even if you have a disability.

I currently teach people who are partially sighted/blind.

Classes open to both men and women

Pilates is well suited for the blind. Once down on the mat, you do not have to get up again until the end. You do not have to be spatially aware. You do not have to see the Pilates instructor, as the whole class can be verbally instructed into position.