1. Just What Is The 'Pilates Method'
The 'Pilates Method' is a body conditioning and postural alignment exercise
technique that uses a combination of mat- work, Pilates-styled resistance equipment
and free weights to help develop a strong, centred and well-balanced body.
Joseph Pilates developed the original methods and equipment back in the 1920's,
adopting various aspects of gymnastics, martial arts, dance and yoga.
Today, the 'Pilates Method' encompasses more than 500 carefully controlled, precise
movements that have been specifically designed to stretch and strengthen muscles
without adding bulk. The technique requires a reasonable degree of concentration,
working on both body and mind with a clear focus on 'core' muscles (mainly the
abdomen, back and buttocks) combined with deep, co-ordinated breathing.
2. What Makes Pilates So Special
Undoubtedly, the resistance equipment (Studio Reformer and Trapeze etc) used
in Pilates work is unique and has been specifically designed to strengthen, lengthen,
balance, tone and relax the user. Unlike traditional methods of training
and body development that tends to produce short bulky muscles (the types that
are most prone to injury), Pilates resistance equipment elongates the spine, increasing
the elasticity of muscles and the flexibility of the joints. This balance
between strength and flexibility dramatically reduces the likelihood of injury.
3. Why Should I Choose Pippa Wylde Pilates
By choosing Pippa Wylde Pilates you
can rest assured that you have chosen a fully qualified (in both mat and Studio
Reformer), trained and comprehensively insured professional Pilates instructor
with a long track record in both dance and Pilates exercise. Currently,
there are very few professional instructors in the UK who have not only a recognised
qualification (certificated by the 'Body Control Pilates Assoc' or the 'Pilates
Foundation') to teach the Studio Reformer, but who can also offer their clients
the use of professional Studio Reformers from a permanent studio. Cardio
Pulminary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is also a 'standard' part of a Pippa's
training, without which insurance cover would not be possible.
Session sizes are currently strictly limited to two persons in order to ensure
that you receive the maximum amount of attention when working with Pippa.
The smaller the class, the quicker the learning cycle and therefore the greater
the benefits.
From your initial assessment and essential 'Health Screening' all of the way
through to successfully reaching an advanced level of competence in Pilates,
you can be sure that your progress has been closely monitored and recorded by
Pippa at all stages and was the direct result of a combination of individual
effort and quality instruction.
The years of experience, dedication and discipline that Pippa brings to her Pilates sessions should further re-assure you that you have chosen wisely.
4. Do I Have Any Other Pilates Options
Yes. There are many other 'Pilates-style' options available to you
that may initially seem better value (less costly), possibly because they also
offer additional facilities such as dance, step, yoga, weight training, gym, swimming
etc, that are only available by joining your local leisure or sports centre.
Unfortunately, very few of those types of organisations employ permanent fully
qualified Pilates instructors (see 3 above) who have been specifically trained
and certificated and hold recognized qualifications to teach this exacting discipline
on mat and/or professional Pilates resistance machines. The 'Body Control Pilates
Association' is probably the largest single 'governing body' for professional
Pilates instructors in Europe and you should can check their register for suitably
qualified instructors in your area.
With Pilates class sizes at leisure and sports centres typically aimed at around
20 persons, the quality of instruction, personal client attention and resultant
benefits of correctly taught Pilates are unlikely ever to be realised.
Due to the 'revolving' nature of some activities in leisure and sports centres,
Pilates is generally limited to matwork classes with no access to large, permanent
resistance apparatus such as the Studio Reformer, Half-Trapeze etc to name only
a few pieces of equipment that only a 'true' professional Pilates studio is likely
to have available for it's clients. Pilates studios incorporating large-scale
professional resistance equipment are rarely located in leisure or sports centres.
A large amount of (possibly) deserved bad publicity has been aimed at the growing
'Pilates-style' industry that deals in large class sizes and employs untrained
and/or unqualified instructors. This end of the market is unfortunately
geared more to profitability through larger class sizes and high instructor to
client ratios, than it is in offering genuine client value.
In short, you only get what you pay for!
5. Who Can Practice Pilates
Pilates can be practised by people of all ages, from the very young to the
very old and at any level of fitness. Today, Pilates is used not only by
dancers, athletes and sports stars wishing to improve performance and reduce injuries
but also by young and old alike striving for differing levels of physical fitness
and/or rehabilitation.
Because of the wide range of exercises available, to suit all levels of fitness
and mobility, everyone can enjoy the benefits of this form of activity.
6. Who Should Not Practice Pilates
As with all types of fitness regimes, persons with specific medical conditions
or injuries such as osteoporosis, back pain, pregnancy, arthritis and tendonitis
should consult their physician and obtain written guidance from them before taking
part in this type of activity. Exercises can be modified to accommodate
many medical conditions and indeed Pilates has long been considered by many medical
practitioners (in particular Physiotherapists and Osteopaths) to be positively
beneficial as an aid to recovery.
7. What Are The Benefits Of Pilates
In addition to developing a strong, centred and well-balanced body, Pilates
more specifically tones and strengthens deeper abdominal muscles and improves
support of the lower back. It also relaxes tensed neck and shoulder muscles,
increases overall flexibility and improves body alignment.
Correct postural alignment and a reduced risk of injury are only two of the main
benefits of this technique although you can also expect an increase in body flexibility,
mobility, balance, and body-awareness as well as a decrease in back and other
more general pains.
8. How Is Pilates Taught
Many Pilates professionals believe that the 'Pilates Method' should be taught
'one-to-one' utilising specially designed resistance equipment such as the Reformer
and Half Trapeze etc to name only a few. It can of course also be taught
in larger groups (see Item 4 above) using purely mat-based exercises. For
mat-based exercise we believe that the class size should be no larger than 8 persons
for maximum client benefit.
Pilates (if practised with more than one person) is not about competing with others.
Studio sessions of up to 6 persons are intended to provide a peaceful atmosphere where you can concentrate
on the movements of your own body. Basic mat-based exercises do not require
any special equipment and once you have learned and understood them, they can
be performed almost anywhere.
9. What Are The Basic Principles Of Pilates
In order to offer the best possible health and fitness regime we have aligned
our classes to the 'Body-Control' Pilates method that centres around eight basic
Pilates principles that are as follows:
10. How Easy Is It To Learn Pilates
Pilates is relatively straightforward and easy to learn. If you are
starting as a complete beginner to Pilates then there are four stages that require
to be completed on your way to becoming truly proficient in the ways of the 'Pilates
Method'. Progress from stage to stage will be dependent upon your general health
and fitness levels and most importantly, your commitment to the Pilates programme. The four
stages are as follows:
11. What Size Are The Studio Sessions
Studio session sizes depend upon the Pilates stage that you are at and also
upon your chosen method of instruction. It is possible to have private one
to one or semi-private one to two / three instruction, and indeed this is the ideal way to learn and to obtain the maximum
benefit and value from Pilates classes. Alternatively, you may choose to
be part of larger group sessions where the numbers would be strictly limited to
a maximum of seven persons.
12. What Should I Wear
Ideally, your clothing should allow the alignment of the body to be clearly
seen by your instructor. It should also of course be comfortable and able
to stretch with your body movements and ideally should not be too loose fitting.
Leggings, shorts and t-shirts are all suitable for this type of activity.
Exercises are carried out in bare feet (for safety) or socks if preferred.
Footwear, in the form of trainers etc, is not worn
The speed of results will quite naturally
vary from person to person and will be dependant upon your commitment to an
effective Pilates programme. Your overall level of health and fitness
are a result of genetics, lifestyle habits and your current physical condition
and all of those factors will contribute to just how quickly you will see results.
An average, reasonably active person taking part in two or three Pilates sessions
per week could reasonably expect to see results within three to four weeks.
Clearly, the more you practice then the greater the potential rewards.
By successfully completing the Pilates beginners course and moving on through
the Intermediate to the Advanced stage Pilates programme you can be assured
that your continual improvement will be monitored and recorded and could only
have been achieved as a direct result of a higher level of fitness, commitment
and overall understanding of the 'Pilates Method' and its ultimate benefits.
Joseph H Pilates once stated:
"In ten sessions you'll feel the difference, in twenty, you'll see the difference and in thirty you'll have a new body"In reality, this depends entirely upon you and your commitment to Pilates!
14. How Often Should I Attend Classes
There are different options to consider when you decide to begin your Pilates
programme. To achieve the best results we recommend a minimum of two sessions
per week, although it is also possible to attend once per week at the studio combined
with practising once or twice a week at home.
The more you practice the quicker your progress and the sooner you will begin
to see and feel real results.