How Does Pilates Work?
Pilates works by combining breathing techniques with special stretches and a machine. It is a method of exercise which focuses on improving the body’s core by making the body more flexible and stronger. It is more dynamic than Yoga because it pushes the body through stretching and targets flexibility, posture and strength. By using the Pilates machine, individuals have to go through systematic moves, whilst holding their torsos in place and moving their limbs in different directions. This movement challenges the individual’s balance, strength and flexibility.
The Benefits of Pilates
The benefits of Pilates are noticeable and a lot of Pilates fans have reported that by doing regular Pilates classes, their bodies are toner, well balanced and stronger. After a Pilates workout, individuals instantly feel the difference in their abs, backs and legs. Other associated benefits to Pilates are weight loss, increased energy levels and a general sense of well being. Pilates is gentle and very effective. Pilates is an ideal workout for athletes recovering from injury, older people who may not have the capacity to do strenuous exercise, or pregnant women. Generally, Pilates is a great supplement to any exercise routine.
- Assists in aligning your body
- Helps in rehabilitation of injuries
- A great work out for abdominals, really targeting on this area.
- Stretches and strengthens the body
- When modified, Pilates is great form of exercise for pregnant women
- Weight loss
- Well being
- Increased energy levels
The Six Pilates Principles:
Centering, Control, Flow, Breath, Precision and Concentration
YOGA
Calm Your Mind, Stretch Your Body, Soothe Your Spirit
This gentle, soothing yoga class will give you a mini-vacation from your day, while both relaxing you and giving you some energy. It will also make you FEEL great!
Beginning
We’ll take a moment or two to set ourselves up comfortably. We will begin a mental scan of our bodies to notice how we are feeling. Then, we will begin to consciously begin to relax by focusing on our breath and breath patterns, through one or two of various techniques called “Pranayama” – Prana = breath, Yama = discipline.
Warm-up
Next, we’ll move through some gentle stretches and movements, “Asanas” – Asana = poses or moves to warm up our spine, bodies and breath.
Middle
We will move through some more poses with a bit more movement. We will add some standing postures, including “Vinyasa” movements – Vinyasa = flow, and balance postures. Here’s a secret. Shhhhh! ALL yoga poses are balance postures.
Cool Down
Time for some more delicious stretches! Then, you’ll have another chance to do one of the asanas from earlier that you particularly enjoyed.
End
Finally, you’ll be guided through a short meditation to guide you through the most important posture of all: “Savasana” – Sav = Rest, Asana = Pose. It is normal to find this pose the hardest of all. It’s where we do our best to let go and try to relax as much as possible. It is also the part where your body begins to give you all the benefits of each of the poses you’ve done, so it’s pretty important! It will be silent in the room for about 3-5 minutes, and there is nothing you need to do but rest.
Closing
You’ll be brought out of Savasana, and we’ll do some final deep breathing with some ending stretches and we’ll check back with our bodies to see how we are feeling now, as compared to when class began.