FITNESS PILATES BODY

WHAT IS FITNESS PILATES? – EASILY EXPLAINED!

Once called “the best kept secret of the chic, rich, famous and beautiful,” Pilates is now a household name. Fitness Pilates is based on the original teachings of Joseph Pilates and effective exercise prescription. Joseph Pilates devised 34 original key exercises.

Fitness Pilates is based on 18 more simple Base Moves taken from these original teachings – adapted to be safe for all. Each exercise is designed to make the maximum use of your time by targeting the deep postural muscles of the body, building strength from the inside out and re-balancing your muscles.

Fitness Pilates works on improving bad posture by toning little-used muscles groups in the abdomen, torso, upper and lower back, while incorporating a slow breathing technique to energise the body. Fitness Pilates moves are also designed to work the muscles of the whole body (abdominals, lower back, thighs, buttocks, calves, arms, shoulders) and to gently lengthen them. The result is a body that is properly aligned and at less risk of injury. It is a no-impact class suitable for men and women of ages, levels and abilities, is a good way to relax and unwind and is also weight-bearing exercise so helps to prevent osteoporosis.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

Fitness Pilates is challenging yet safe exercise that promotes a balanced body, a longer, leaner, toned shape, superb posture, a flat stomach, a strong back and increased mobility and flexibility. It also increases strength and endurance, improves balance and co-ordination, all without producing over developed or bulky muscles.

WHAT DO I NEED FOR THE CLASS AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN A CLASS?

You will need a mat or bath towel to lie on and a towel or small pillow to use as a bolster if you wish when we are performing mat exercises which I will guide you on. Wear comfy loose clothing or fitness gear and either bare feet or socks. Have a chair to hand in case you would like to use this as support during the warm up. Have some water nearby as well to stay hydrated. We start with a brief set up – how to stand, breathe and connect the core and brace the abdominals, then a 10 minute standing warm up progressing on to a variety of simple mat based exercises, finishing with a few minutes of relaxation. As these are ‘virtual’ classes and there will be mixed abilities in the class my focus will be to keep it simple and SAFE over the first few weeks. There may be some experienced Pilates participants joining in and they are more than welcome to add their more advanced alternatives if they wish. The classes will be approx 40-45 mins long.

THE AIM OF MY FITNESS PILATES CLASS IS TO KEEP EVERYONE MOVING IN A RELAXED, FRIENDLY AND SAFE WAY AND TO SEE YOU IMPROVE POSTURE, STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY AND MENTAL WELLBEING, ULTIMATELY TAKING STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE. X