Pilates – What’s the hype about?
Born as a sickly boy, Joseph Pilates developed this namely technique as a combination of many exercise methods that he experienced throughout his life. This method of exercise was built on his admiration of the ideal of a human body being balanced in body, mind and spirit and he then developed the Pilates method on this concept and according to the principles of Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath and Flow.
In our words Pilates is an exercise concept designed to strengthen your deep underlying (and sometimes dormant) core muscles. It can be done at a slow or fast pace, with the body in various positions, using your own body weight or a prop, for the young or more mature, for the mommies to be or the fittest athletes. With all of these differences one thing remains the same; when practicing Pilates every exercise movement is executed around the principles of Precision and Control. The latter explains why this exercise method is so effective with proper muscle memory and yields injuries in their tracks.
Performance Pilates believes in a holistic approach toward a healthy lifestyle and would like to showcase that we cater for different needs.
With our classes our qualified instructors will guide you through a selection of well planned exercises and stretches to help you achieve your goal. They take the time to correct your form ensuring proper execution of every exercise movement.
A group class will typically focus on fundamental work with posture corrections. Groups classes range typically from 4 people to a maximum of 8 people in each class to ensure individual attention to each person even within a group.
Our private or one-on-one sessions are usually tailored to the needs of the individual seen by the instructor. When attending a private class you can experience the wonders of all equipment used in the studio (Reformer/Chair/Cadillac). This equipment machinery pay attention to the principles of Pilates through the fusion of body weight and resistance. The equipment, also created by Joseph Pilates, provides resistance by springs to be used in combination with the exerciser’s body weight to bring about the experience of a full body integration workout.
With combined experience in many areas of activity we provide customized or group classes from a running, cycling, swimming, equestrian and dancing background. Giving you a rounded program for any types of activity you take part in.
Pre and Post-Natal Pilates: With Pre and Post-Natal Pilates you can maintain a regular Pilates routine throughout your pregnancy and stay healthy feeling your best. It can improve posture and decrease some common discomforts like backaches and fatigue. There is evidence that it may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), relieve stress, and build more stamina needed for labor and delivery. If you’re unsure what’s safe for you and your baby join in on a pre natal Pilates class.
Kids Pilates: Children need motoric development in their daily living and activities. Traditionally kids are supposed to run around, climb trees and even take a tumble out of a tree but with our fast-paced technological lives this does not happen often enough. We thus offer a kids-friendly way of teaching Pilates for children to enhance their motoric & cognitive development. Allow your children to experience the wonders of kids Pilates and improve their muscle tone, posture and flexibility whilst they are developing.
Pilates for Elderly: Within each year of ageing our body’s muscle mass decreases tremendously. By attending and taking part in Pilates classes you can slow down this process, work on your flexibility & balance which is often the first to decrease with maturity. The downside of ageing is the loss in confidence in the body’s abilities. At Performance Pilates we use exercises and balance techniques to keep the body functional and so to build confidence in your muscle strength.
Pilates as a rehabilitation form: Pilates is a tool to help your body function at its peak. By strengthen your core, stretching weak & over active muscles and regrouping muscle patterns you can help eliminate sport injuries and help improve overall wellbeing.
Whether you are a performance athlete or just want to stay toned and fit, you are guaranteed to benefit from Pilates.