Pilates [click here to view a full list of Pilates classes on offer]
What is Pilates?
Joseph Pilates describes his method:
“Complete co-ordination of body, mind and spirit….it develops the body uniformly, corrects
wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.”
Principles of Pilates
Control
Balance
Breathing
Fluidity
Alignment
Co-ordination
Concentration
A Bit of History - Who is Joseph Pilates?
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and was a sickly child with Asthma, Rickets, and Rheumatic fever. He dedicated his life to studying forms of eastern and western exercise and becoming stronger himself. In 1912 he moved to England as a Greek statue in the circus, became a boxer and self-defence trainer and was then shipped to the Isle of Man during World War One where he continued training and developing equipment using hospital beds amongst other things to help him rehabilitate the sick.
He returned to Germany for a short time after the war and is rumoured to have studied movement techniques, including contemporary dance. Following this he moved to American to train a German boxer where he met his wife Clara and opened his first studio in 1926 and they became gurus to the New York dance community.
How has Pilates Evolved?
Research and understanding of the body’s mechanics has influenced how we apply the Pilates method today. For example how the deep muscles of the trunk work together to stabilise the body in every day activities and work more efficiently when not contracting to their full capacity. Another major factor in how we apply the Pilates method today is the changing posture of the population due to more sedentary lifestyle, computers and driving.
Both of these factors mean that much of the method has been modified to accommodate for what we now know about the body and the changes in the posture of these bodies. However, at Inspired Exercise we still endeavour to maintain the integrity of Joe’s work and apply his principles in the work we do.
If you have chronic back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), athletic injury, arthritis, low mobility, are pregnant or just want a challenging whole body method of exercising, Pilates is for you.
Why do Pilates?
You will feel energized, elongated, powerful and de-stressed after each Pilates class and with regular attendance this will continue in your everyday life and promote longevity in your physical health.
The benefits of regularly attending Pilates are a strong, long lean body with narrow waist and balanced posture.
FAQs
Do I need my own mat?
Mats are provided but we recommend investing in a dense supportive mat to support you in your Pilates practice.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows your posture to be clearly visible, bare feet or socks.
What if I'm running late for a class?
For yours and other participants comfort and safety we run a ten minute rule. Therefore anyone attending later than ten minutes after the class is due to start will not be able to attend.
What happens if I'm on a course and can't attend?
You may attend any other InspiredExercise Pilates class that is at a suitable level for you, but you must book this in advance. If you intend on making up any classes you miss you must do this within the period of your course.