What is Pilates and What are the benefits ?
What sets Fletcher Pilates® apart from Traditional Pilates?
How long will it take for me to notice changes in my body?
Is Pilates always performed slowly?
Why don’t more men do Pilates?
Can I do Pilates if I am carrying an Injury
Will Pilates flatten my stomach?
Can I combine Pilates with other forms of exercise?
Will my individual needs be catered for?
Can I get a health fund rebate?
Can I build bone density with the Pilates method?
Is my Pilates teacher sufficiently qualified?
What is Pilates and What are the benefits ?
Pilates was designed as a system to include both Mat and Equipment work and in a nut shell involves strengthening the core musculature while lengthening the body Originally termed "Body Contrology" during its 40 year development by Joseph Pilates ( until his death in 1967) the Pilates Method is a total body conditioning program that emphasizes proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement (The Pilates Principles) With over 500 exercises in the traditional repertoire performed on the mat and Pilates specific equipment, Pilates results in increased flexibility, strength, endurance, muscle tone, body awareness, co-ordination, energy, and improved mental concentration. It can reduce stress and anxiety through internal focus on breath and correct movement
How long will it take for me to notice changes in my body?
Joseph Pilates' claimed that "in ten sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 you'll see the difference, and in 30 you'll be on your way to having a whole new body."
Most Pilates devotees have their own story of the transformative process their body undergoes with regular practice. How long it takes depends on your ability to integrate the Pilates principles and the regularity of your practice.(recommended 2-3 times per week) It is not uncommon for clients to feel the difference in their body even from the first few sessions
Is Pilates always performed slowly?
Beginning level Pilates teaches you how to integrate deep abdominal and pelvic floor activation with breath and movement. Specific attention is paid to stabilization of the spine, pelvis and shoulder girdle with attention to form and posture. The correct sequencing of muscle activation is best facilitated with slow, controlled movements.
As your “core strength’’ and stability improves along with your co-ordination and body awareness the exercises can be performed more quickly with a dynamic flow from one exercise to the next without losing the precision required to maintain correct form and posture.
Why don’t more men do Pilates?
Who would have thought an exercise program devised by a martial artist, boxing instructor, circus performer and body builder would eventually be perceived as an exercise regime for women? By all accounts Joseph Pilates was a “mans man” and he intended for his method to be a challenging, total body program for men. It usually only takes a few sessions for men to realise that Pilates can be the most challenging workout that they have attempted and that they will look and feel better for it. Advanced Pilates can be challenging for even the fittest male athlete.
Golfers the world over are discovering the benefits of Pilates. The golf swing is initiated from the core muscles with a stable pelvis and spine essential to enable power to be transferred efficiently from the torso, through the arms to the club and club head. A common outcome with Pilates training is a resultant increase in driving distance and control and reduced incidence of Golf related back strain.
Although Pilates is resistance work that will burn calories, it is not generally considered to be cardiovascular in nature. (However those who have experienced an advanced classical pilates mat class may beg to differ!)
Only aerobic work such as cycling, running, swimming, power walking etc. will speed ones metabolism sufficiently for significant weight loss. If you are trying to lose weight, we recommend Pilates along with aerobic exercise and a diet prescribed by your nutritionist.
Can I do Pilates if I am Recovering from Injury
Pilates is low impact and focuses on lengthening muscles around joints to have a decompressive effect while still maintaining support through the core musculature.
The extensive repertoire of exercises in combination with specific Pilates equipment makes it possible to exercise without aggravating existing injuries. Pilates assists rehabilitation by correcting muscular imbalance and faulty movement patterns which may have contributed to the existing injury.
We are trained to liase with your health care professional and adjust your program accordingly in consideration of your specific injury or pathology but we do suggest you obtain a clearance from your Doctor etc prior to commencing an exercise program.
Will Pilates flatten my stomach
Poor posture combined with weak, untoned abdominal muscles results in a protruding stomach-Unattractive!
Strengthening the deep abdominals to provide Ron Fletchers "Girdle of Strength" around the mid section will firm and flatten the stomach-Attractive!
Pilates focuses on working muscles and joints through their full range of motion which results in greater flexibility.
Can I combine Pilates with other forms of exercise
Absolutely. The Pilates principles can be effectively applied to virtually every type of sport or exercise method. The improvement in core strength, stability and posture with improved body awareness will compliment and improve any additional activities you are involved with.
Will my individual needs be catered for?
Prior to your initial consultation(IC) you will complete an intake form which will identify any considerations we may need to take into account in selecting the type of class best suited to your needs.
During the IC we conduct a movement based assessment while introducing the basic Fletcher Pilates principles. We also note any postural or movement issues which we will then take into consideration in combination with your own personal goals.
To monitor your progress in transforming your body and posture we can take "before" photos. This is optional, on request.
Can I build bone density with the Pilates method?
Because most of the studio equipment is spring loaded, muscles contracting against that resistance create tension on the muscle tendons which in turn transfer forces through to the insertion in the bone. This pulling action on the bone helps build bone density and our standing work will improve balance and co-ordination to reduce the likelyhood of falls.
Can I get a health fund rebate?
A number of health funds provide rebates for Pilates.
Is my Pilates teacher sufficiently qualified?
Like Dance or Martial arts, Pilates is a study which requires extensive specialised training, personal practice and supervised teacher training. You cannot learn to teach Pilates in a short course of a few days or a few weeks regardless of the background and existing qualifications of the participant.
Your Studio Pilates teacher should have completed a comprehensive program of at least 500 hours and be recognised preferably by an independant body such as The Pilates Alliance Australasia.