Exactly what happens in Pilates classes or what you should expect is probably one of the most common questions asked by potential class attendees.  Despite its popularity with celebrities and great success, Pilates is still misunderstood by many.  Some think it is something similar to yoga and others think it may be some sort of gentle aerobics; the fact is that Pilates is something in a class all of its own and difficult to describe.

Within a Pilates class, you will do some gentle stretching to warm up and there will also be mat exercises.

The mat exercises are a combination of chest curls, leg lifts and roll ups.  Whilst these exercises might look like a sort of advanced sit up, each series of moves is done with guided (more…)

Pilates classes are not a new fad; indeed, they’ve been around for some time now and thanks to celebrity endorsements recently, such as David Beckham and Alex Curran to name a few, Pilates class attendance is again on the rise.

For those who stick to regular Pilates classes, the results are sweet success.  Pilates regulars find strength without adding bulk, flat abdomen area and slender, strong thighs.

The whole essence of Pilates is a focus on core strength, which not only improves posture but also increases strength.  Almost our entire body’s (more…)

When we talk about Pilates, we often refer to the mind/body connection and this phrase is used often in the sphere of health and fitness.  Although many sports and fitness activities do involve some form of mind to body connection, why should it matter?

Mind/body fitness or exercise means combining the body’s movement with some sort of mental or meditational focus, which usually incorporates visualisation, breathing techniques and relaxation.  Combining this with the physical movements gives greater value to the physical movement and can give better results.

Within Pilates, we concentrate on (more…)