Pilates: Everyone’s talking about it, but what the heck is it?

Pilates is the exercise that has taken the fitness world by storm. Everyone from dancers to footballers and even Hollywood actors are doing it and the benefits are astounding for both the physical and mental aspects of the body. Pilates is an intelligent workout that requires concentration and control, and has total body benefits. This fun, dynamic exercise is perfect for all types of people of any age.

Why is it so good for you?

When our muscles are weak they make compensations for each other which leads to instability and injury. Take your back for instance: if your posture is bad, your lower back and hips will then adjust themselves accordingly. This means they’re essentially out of place. Pilates encourages you to think about how you perform everyday movements. It heightens your body awareness, which in turn improves your overall agility, flexibility and strength. It helps you ensure your body is working at its optimal level all the time.

What is a class like?

Pilates is an intense exercise class that incorporates stretching and workouts for your abdominal, leg, butt, arm, and back muscles. Some movements are slow and controlled while others are very fast. The class usually lasts for 1 hour and aims to work all areas of your body.

There are three types of pilates, the most common being Mat Work, where much time is spent on the floor using gravity and your own body weight to create resistance. Mat Work pilates classes can also incorporate small props for example toning balls, resistance rings, therabands, fitballs, foam rollers and many more this adds and new dimension to a Mat Work class.

The second style is a group Reformer class, the ultimate pilates experience! Using a specialised pilates machine named the reformer, these fun classes offer a small group intensive workout that has amazing results.The Pilates reformer has a spring resistance and pulley system that teaches your muscles to work effectively and builds strength and support evenly throughout the whole body. You will see results in your posture, muscle strength, flexibility and overall body shape and tone.

Finally, the third style is Physio Pilates (otherwise known as Studio Pilates) conducted by specialist Pilates Practitioners these classes are normally private sessions or small groups to a maximum of 3 participants. Think of Physio Pilates classes like pilates personal training. These classes use specialised machines known as The Cadillac, Chair, Arc Barrel, Ladder Barrel and Studio Reformer as well as small props (as mentioned above). Physio classes are designed specifically for you and target your goals often for rehabilitation and sports specific training however for those that want specific results the Physio Pilates classes are the perfect class.

At LIVe Pilates we offer all of the above classes to suit each individual’s needs.

What are the benefits?

As so rightly stated by the founder Joseph Pilates “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness“. Pilates aims to improve all aspects of your physical and mental fitness.

Pilates will increase muscle tone and core strength, improve flexibility and overall mobility. Pilates will give you more of a holistic result than most other exercise regimes. Pilates will have you focus on your breathing which is great for improving circulation and relieving stress. It’s a fantastic way to balance out your health and wellbeing.

What if I have a minor injury or special condition?

Pilates is actually great for people with injuries, weak muscles and particularly bad posture because it encourages you to strengthen your problem areas in a relaxed and low impact way. It is advisable however that anyone with serious injuries consult a LIVe Physio first.

At LIVe Pilates we always put the safety of our clients first and with highly qualified instructors we can modify our pilates program to suit all needs. Please speak with one of your BodyHealth Experts to decide which LIVe Pilates program is right for you.

What if I’m pregnant?

During pregnancy, the body’s core muscles are weakened causing many imbalances for women. With so much extra weight to carry and support, soon-to-be mums are at high risk of injury. Pilates is a great way to keep your postural muscles active and prevent damage throughout your pregnancy.

Our term booked programs will specifically focus on strengthening pelvic floor and abdominals to better support and stabilise the body and assist with birthing. Classes will also involve exercises to strengthen arms, back and butts while improving flexibility and posture. With these specialised classes, preggy mums can prevent lower back pain, incontinence & postural imbalances and feel balanced and re-energised.

Our pregnancy programs are designed for women at any stage of pregnancy. The classes create a fun and friendly environment and will cater for the rest of your pregnancy right up until birth.  At LIVe we recommend consulting your GP before commencing a pregnancy term program.