WHAT IS PILATES?

It is called Pilates because it was developed by Joseph Pilates. As the man himself put it over 70 years ago, "In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a different body".

Much has been written about Pilates. People talk of the Pilates method using mats (i.e. mat work), Pilates machines, Pilates using medicine balls, yoga and Pilates (Yogalates!). Everyone from Martin Amis to Posh Spice seems to be doing it!

Quite simply, it is a low-impact exercise regime based upon the original teachings of Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century.

It is centred around a range of exercises (Pilates himself developed around 500) which are designed to strengthen, tone, stretch, encourage proper breathing and facilitate good posture. The exercises do not involve endless boring repetitions, big weights, lung-busting cardio classes or aerobics. To maintain cardiovascular fitness we recommend combining your Pilates sessions with a brisk walk, jog, cycle or swim for 20 minutes 3 times a week, thus making the ultimate fitness regime.

Look at the pictures on this site and you will get an idea. Here at the Pilates Practice the exercises are, with a few exceptions, performed on specialist machines made by STOTT* in Canada. They involve a wide variety of different exercises and movements ranging from stretches to resistance exercises, either free-standing or using the spring and pulley systems on the machines. They can be as gentle or challenging as required, and the vast repertoire of exercises means there is always scope for development.

At The Pilates Practice our fully qualified instructors will teach you how to perform the exercises correctly, including an element of rehabilitation after injury where required. If you are recommended to do Pilates from your physiotherapist or osteopath then we are happy to liaise where necessary with the practitioner. The correct technique is only acquired after a number of sessions under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Doing Pilates is not like pitching up to your local gym, getting on a bike or pumping a few weights! If approached properly and conscientiously:-

• you get a complete workout, all the major muscle groups are exercised.

• you will develop increased strength, suppleness and control, together with improved posture.

• you will feel energised and refreshed after a session - not drenched in sweat and exhausted.

• it is a good remedial regime for anyone with injury or back/neck problems.

• you will see results quite rapidly.

Also, there is no reason for you to get bored. Joseph Pilates developed around 500 exercises and since then the method has evolved much further. With the help of the machines, and the fact that the Pilates Method does not involve endless repetitions, you will find yourself looking forward to your next session as you progress.

What's the difference between yoga and Pilates?

It has been said that it's the difference between east and west, or yoga is about how you feel and Pilates is about how you look. That may be a little over-simplistic. We don't aim to justify any preference between one and the other, it's a matter for the individual, but for a good account of the differences, you might have a look at ivillage.com  which contains a useful article on the subject by Kathy Smyth or go to Pilates and Pilates Exercise Equipment.

Find out more:

Well there are many thousands of web sites, so happy hunting!