What is Pilates?

As children we all had great core stability .we never had to warm up before running, jumping or climbing over walls. However after sitting down through most of your education and possibly most of your working life, its no surprise these muscles have become weak!

We have two types of muscle: Mobilisers and Stabilisers.
The Mobilisers have the job of moving the body and require the muscle to work at full volume for short periods of time. These are the sprinter muscles. The Stabilisers stabilise the trunk and keep the body stable and protected while in motion. These muscles are the long distance runners. What can often happen with most of us is that the mobilsers end up doing the work of stabilizing and thus we end up with tight, stiff over worked muscle and other loose wobbly bits. Pilates address this and slowly rebalances the body.

Pilates is a system of training the body from the inside out. It strengthens the core muscles of the body and helps keep the body fit, healthy and toned without building bulk. It can greatly assist in reducing lower back pain and other physical ailments caused by incorrect posture. It is a low impact, mat based workout that was developed by Joseph Pilates. Pilates suffered many debilitating illness as a child and as an adult became determined to overcome his poor physical health when he was interred in the Second World War.

Pilates differs to other forms of exercise in that it can be tailored to the needs of the client from professional athletes to those with less active lives. By stretching while strengthening and using the correct muscles you will develop long lean muscle and greatly improved stamina.

Back to top

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Improved flexibility Greater strength and muscle tone More efficient respiratory system More efficient circulation Lower stress levels A flatter stomach and a trimmer waist through the creation of a natural girdle of strength. Better posture Toned buttocks and thighs Less incidence of back pain Toned arms and shoulder area Boosted immune system Increased bone density Greater joint mobility Fewer injuries for dancers and Athletes Improved performance for dancers, athletes, singers ect.

How many classes do I need to take?

At studio 32 we have 7 -10 week courses that provide the foundations of the Pilates method.
Joseph Pilates said:

“After one session you can feel the difference, after 10 sessions you can see the difference, and, after thirty sessions you have a whole new body”.

We recommend after two beginners courses a student will progress to the improvers course (Although this can vary with each client). Classes are tailored to each clients needs and the instructor will continue to challenge as progress is made.

Back to top

What results should I expect?

Although results will vary with each person depending on their current fitness levels, Pilates can benefit all age groups. Many will experience dramatic changes in the shape of their bodies while others will tone tummy’s hips and thighs. If you need to fit into that little black dress or want a flatter stomach Pilates is for you. It can greatly assist with lower back pain and other postural complaints, although we always recommend with persistent pain to seek medical advice first.

Who can practice Pilates?

Pilates can be practiced by anyone, from beginners to top athletes, from the very young to the old, big to the small. Pilates will improve you posture, alignment breathing and stamina.

Why come to studio 32 for Pilates? Studio 32 is a brand new dedicated Pilates studio that provides excellence of teaching to maximum of 10-12 clients. All teachers are professional dancers who have trained in England and Russia and have performed nationally and internationally. Joseph Pilates originally taught dancers exclusively and the rigours of dance training can greatly help in the understanding of the Pilates method. A dancer will be taught to sense and see subtleties in their body and others. This understanding of the body is vital in the teaching of Pilates and therefore makes us very reliable as Pilates trainers.

What do I need to bring with me for class?
All you need for class is comfortable gym wear, socks (preferably fresh) and a towel to cover your mat for hygiene reasons.

Back to top