Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q. What is Pilates?
A. Pilates is a series of controlled movements that systematically exercise all the muscle groups in your body, whilst engaging the mind. It challenges weak areas as well as strong, resulting in a balanced body, that has increased strength and flexibility.
Q. What are the benefits of Pilates?
A. Pilates works the body as a whole, with a particular focus on strengthening and stabilising the core (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle, which Joseph Pilates referred to as “the Powerhouse”). As the focus is on the quality not the quantity of the movement, Pilates leads to a feeling of invigoration. With regular practice of Pilates you can expect to:
- Improve strength, flexibility and balance
- Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk
- Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core
- Engage the mind and enhance body awareness
- Condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury
- Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching
- Restore postural alignment
- Create a stronger, more flexible spine
- Promote recovery from strain or injury
- Increase joint range of motion
- Improve circulation
- Heighten neuromuscular coordination
- Offer relief from back pain and joint stress
- Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury
- Enhance mobility, agility and stamina
- Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity
- Improve the way your body looks and feels
Q. How is Pilates taught?
A. Pilates can be taught in a mat based class or on studio equipment such as the Reformer, the Spine Barrel, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair.
Q. What Should I look for in a Pilates Teacher?
A. As the popularity of Pilates has grown, so has the demand for teachers. Unfortunately not all teachers are trained to the level that Mo and Tracey are. Some courses will accredit non-specialised gym instructors in a single weekend. A Pilates instructor should have a qualification from an authentic certification programme, such as that offered by the Pilates Institute.
Their qualification should include components of anatomy, physiology, lectures, observation, practice, hands-on apprenticing plus a written and practical examination. This level of training is especially important if you are going to be working out on any of the specialised Pilates equipment - some courses only cover mat exercises while others educate in the full range of equipment.
If you have any ongoing injuries it is always worth ensuring that your Pilates Teacher has been trained to work with these problems. If Pilates is taught incorrectly it can exacerbate any problems you might have or cause further damage.
Q. Who can do Pilates?
A. Almost everyone can do Pilates from the age of 12 upwards. The exercises are designed to put a minimum strain on the body, whilst challenging its capabilities.
People with injuries and physical disabilities can do the exercises in a modified form; indeed many healthcare professionals recommend Remedial Pilates a form of rehabilitation.
Q. I am pregnant, can I do Pilates?
A. Pilates can be a wonderful form of exercise during pregnancy as the focus on posture, muscle training, breathing and strengthening can help you prepare for childbirth. It can also help you get back in shape after the birth of your baby. However, it is very important that find an Instructor who has a specific qualification in ante-natal Pilates teaching. Many of the mat exercises that involve lying on you back for periods of time are not suitable during pregnancy. As every pregnancy is different, it is also advisable to check with your midwife or consultant that Pilates is suitable for you.
Q Will I lose weight through Pilates exercises?
A. In essence, Pilates exercise is not a cardiovascular workout and burning calories is not its main focus. However, in conjunction with a sensible diet and some cardio work such as brisk walking, cycling, aerobics or swimming, Pilates can factor into a weight loss program.
Pilates exercises help strengthen, sculpt and tone the body while building long, lean muscles. Whether the number on the scale goes down or not, you will tend to look and feel better through continued Pilates practice.