You may have questions before embarking on your Pilates workout journey. We aim to answer them here below. However, if your question is not answered here please feel free to drop us a line and Contact Us.
Who can do Pilates?
Pilates has something to offer people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness, from beginners to elite athletes. There are many modifications and diverse Pilates equipment that can be used to provide support for beginners and people with certain medical conditions, as well as resistance for people looking to challenge their body more.
Can I injure myself doing Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, so injuries are uncommon. However, it’s important to find a qualified teacher and a class suited to your level of fitness and ability.
How is Pilates done?
Pilates exercises is performed done standing, sitting, in tabletop position or on a mat facing down or up. Modifications are made if the client has difficulty maintaining certain positions.
Working out on a mat does not sound very strenuous, I don’t think I will be working hard enough?
Many people have the impression that because Pilates exercises are mostly carried out on a mat, that you just lie there and relax. Wrong! Pilates exercises not only involve the exercises performed but also focus on correct body alignment, breathing, stabilisation and isolation and correct engagement of the muscles you are working on. Such as, you might be a jogger and have excellent strength in your legs but still find Pilates exercises challenging because you are not used to working your deep stabilizing muscles.
How challenging can Pilates be?
As challenging as you want. A posture analysis is carried out first and then an exercise plan is mapped out specially for you. Depending on your physical fitness, Pilates can be very challenging indeed.
I have attended group classes and I find Pilates is too easy
Then you have been doing the exercises incorrectly! Group classes do not cater to the individual’s needs and some classes have so many attendees that it is impossible for the instructor to cater to everyone’s needs. Hence why one-to-one Pilates sessions can help you get the best out of your workout.
I have attended group classes before and my back hurt
Again, group classes cannot cater for individual needs. Not everyone has the same body type, muscular imbalances or body posture. Exercises in group classes are general, so that they cater to a large group of people. Instructors can give modifications but they have not got the time to give you a 15 minute posture analysis. They do the best they can under the circumstances. So you might end up doing an exercise that is wrong for you or not given the correct modification, which results in muscular pain.
I am pregnant or postnatal, is Pilates the right exercise for me?
Yes! Please see our Pregnancy section.
I am over 55, is Pilates right for me?
Yes! We tailor make our sessions to suit your specific needs and take any muscular problems or imbalances into account. As we grow older our body naturally becomes less flexible so it is extra important to keep up a good exercise routine to help prevent further deterioration of our joints. This will help us keep an active life and feel more agile, mobile and keep a good sense of wellbeing.
Where do the sessions take place?
The sessions can take place in the comfort of your home or at the instructor’s home. This avoids unnecessary and costly studio hire.
What do I need for the sessions?
You only need yourself! Wear comfortable clothing, leggings (normal or sports) and a comfortable top.
Do I need special equipment?
Mat and any exercise props will be provided by the instructor.
