WHAT IS PILATES...

Pilates involves a series of exercises, designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to perfect balance. Based upon an anatomical understanding of the body’s muscular and skeletal systems, we will create a comprehensive remedial programme for each client. Individual sessions or small group classes will focus on specific areas individually or of common concern whilst using exercises that integrate the whole body to re-educate and restore it to optimum muscular and skeletal function.

It is this holistic approach that sets Pilates apart from many other forms of exercise. Osteopaths, physiotherapists and general practitioners recommend Pilates as one of the safest forms of exercise today. Pilates can be beneficial and adapted for just about everyone regardless of age and fitness level.

In the original words of Joseph Pilates the father of modern day Pilates treatment:

"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong then you are young."

FAQS

1. How did Pilates develop?
2. Who is Pilates suitable for?
3. For what conditions is Pilates treatment most successful?
4. How does Pilates help to increase better muscle tone?
5. Is Pilates safe?
6. How many classes will I be expected to take?

How did Pilates develop?

Pilates was first developed by Joseph Pilates at the beginning of the 20th century as a self help treatment to strengthen and develop his own body. After opening a studio in New York in 1926 he concentrated much of his work on performing artists, dancers and musicians. His focus was on aligning and conditioning their bodies to work with maximum efficiency and to redress any injuries that might have been incurred during repetitive training.

Over the next fifty years the value of Pilates has come to be widely recognized and millions of people across the world have come to benefit from his recognized form of remedial treatment and exercises. The original method has been adapted over time to respond to greater knowledge of and research into the causes and cures of physical, performance and sports injuries. Additional specialized treatments have been incorporated in the practice of studios depending on their focus and the individual needs of their clients.

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Who is Pilates suitable for?

Pilates is open to everyone whatever age or level of fitness. It is particularly valuable for those with an underlying medical condition that has been caused by undue stress on any part of the body. Sports injuries, back pains pre and post pregnancy needs and overall body stress ailments respond successfully to regular Pilates treatment.

Clients with less specialized complaints will benefit enormously from regular sessions and exercises to promote a better understanding of overall conditioning and muscle toning. In addition regular Pilates treatment promotes greater awareness of general body posture, movement and correct use of muscles. The promotion of Pilates exercising and conditioning is highly beneficial to maintain a sense of physical and mental health and general well being.

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For what conditions is Pilates treatment most successful?

Pilates, especially through personalized private studio treatment, is widely used by:

• Professional sportsmen/women who develop repetitive injuries or who inflict continuous stress to specific parts of their body;
• Performing dance artists who are exposed to work injuries often relating to damage to the back, legs and feet;
• Musicians who may suffer from body stress problems from over extended use of limbs and repetitive holding of a specific body posture;
• Mothers during periods of pre and post natal care;
• Sufferers of a wide range of medical conditions including arthritis, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis;
• Aging clients needing back and posture rehabilitation and prevention of low bone density;
• Children with particular physical and skeletal weaknesses;
• Post operative care and rehabilitation.

In addition:

whip lash and spinal injury; disc injury maintenance or conditions such as scoliosis kyphosis; knee, hip and shoulder rehabilitation; repetitive strain injuries ie carpol tunnel, tennis elbow.

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How does Pilates help to increase better muscle tone?

Pilates is recognized as helping to produce a stronger, well-toned and flexible body. It helps to increase respiratory efficiency which promotes calorie burning and tissue regeneration. Core stability is a primary focus of Pilates exercises. It produces muscle efficiency and postural awareness and concentrates on pelvic stability, and shoulder stability which in turn helps to maintain correct alignment of the spine reducing back and neck pain.

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Is Pilates safe?

Pilates is strongly endorsed by a wide range of health professions as one of the safest forms of remedial exercise. However, the best Pilates studios maintain a strong link with a variety of other health professionals including physiotherapists and osteopaths and will request consultation from other specialists in the case of serious or undiagnosed injuries. A consultation with your General Practitioner before embarking on a series of Pilates sessions is advised if you have any underlying medical condition.

Studio 165 works closely in an integrated fashion with leading physiotherapists, obstetricians, osteopaths, chiropractors, remedial and sports masseurs and podiatrists. We also work alongside AFL football clubs, professional ballet companies, professional actors, dance and performing arts schools, circus performers, athletes, golf players and yoga teachers.

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How many classes will I be expected to take?

There is no fixed answer to this question as needs and rate of response will vary from one client to another. This will be carefully assessed at your first class and a completely personal and individually tailored programme will be designed for your personal needs and capability.

Joseph Pilates indicated:

"In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you will have a whole new body."

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Take a look at www.pilatesfoundation.com for more information.