Pilates
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a body-awareness exercise method founded by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s. Many of the exercises are similar to standard gym exercises or physiotherapy. In fact, Pilates influenced many of the early western pioneers in exercise/dance methods and in turn he drew from a wide variety of western and indeed eastern methods when creating his method. However, it is not just the form of the exercises that is important in Pilates, but the way they are executed. As in Eastern forms, breath is a vital focus and each exercise has a specific breath pattern.
Other key principles are:
- concentration
- control
- centering
- precision
- flow
- breathing.
Pilates integrates body and mind!
What is the Pilates Mat Class?
These classes are Pilates mat classes and do not use the specialised Pilates equipment that a Pilates studio uses, but rather consists of floor exercises mostly done lying down on a mat, although as you progress we do use large and small balls, bands etc to add more challenge to the exercises.
The exercises typically work the abdominals whilst a weak muscle group, such as the inner thighs, are also worked. Other muscle groups are encouraged to relax. Posture and alignment are focused on. The mind is asked to work as in yoga at the same time as focussed breathing!
The classes are kept deliberately small (no more than 7) to ensure that you get plenty of personal attention from Robyn Stuart. Private Classes are also available at the Clinic at selected times. Robyn’s contemporary dance training along with Pilates brings a fresh dimension to the Classes and we share many laughs whilst working out.
There are currently three classes, all on a Tuesday evening. If you wish to join, please telephone the clinic first to ensure there is available space in that class. Thank you.
Your health is our priority.
Beginners at 5.30pm.
Improvers at 6.30pm and Intermediate Advanced 7.35pm
Next set of classes begin on Tuesday 7th September 2010. Classes are on a rolling six week basis – come and have a go! Don’t worry if you start part way through a group of lessons, its not a problem!
There is limited availability so enrol now!
Copyright © Robyn Stuart 2007
FREE Pilates workout care of UTube for YOU! Its just over 6 minutes but is a great workout for those who think it is easy – give it a try!!
