Pilates 101
you've probably heard about it, but what actually is Pilates?
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Pilates is a low-impact, highly controlled form of exercise that can incorporate a variety of machines (ie: reformer) and/or small equipment into the routines. think along the lines of Yoga but less bendy/zen and more structure and high energy vibes.
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Pilates uses your own body weight and gravity for resistance but can also include small equipment like balls, sliders, circles, bands and light hand weights in more contemporary style classes. at Within Pilates, we're a hybrid classic and contemporary mat Pilates Studio featuring some of the very first Pilates exercises with some of the newer adaptations mixed throughout.
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all the exercises work your inner most core muscles (the transversus abdominus) and pelvic floor muscles along with a combination of several targeting and accessory muscles.
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layman's terms: it's a full body workout!
want to learn more about the t-zone and Pilates terms?
FAQ:
is it difficult?
that depends on YOU! (And also your instructor) but mostly you. all exercises have modifications to make them easier or harder and you can pause or rest at any time. this is your exercise so it is what you make it! but with all exercises, don't push yourself to the point of pain. if you pull something, you shouldn't exercise so please listen to your body. Rome wasn't built in a day and same goes for Pilates. results happen through consistency, not force.
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soreness = good
muscle and joint pain = bad
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you will probably be (the good kind of) sore after your first few classes. think jelly legs and really feeling those arms and shoulders. Pilates works all the minor muscles, along with the larger main ones, so it could very well be the first time you've concentrated working on those smaller muscles. We promise, it's not all bad though, the minor muscles help you in everyday life: picking up the phone, carrying groceries, have proper posture, reaching for things, ect, so it's good to work them too!
is it safe?
yes! Pilates is renowned for being prescribed for rehabilitation and can help improve a number of ailments. it is a great way to get back into fitness, compliment your weekly gym sessions or just be your entire fitness routine.
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it can be done at any age, literally, and because it's easily modifiable, you can also safely do it whilst pregnant all the way up to your due date.
before any classes, we ask that you fill out a rather extensive pre-class questionnaire to ensure we program our classes to fit your current level of fitness and accommodate for any injuries and ailments. if you're unsure, please check with your GP or treating physician before beginning with Within.
what are the benefits?
casting the mental health benefits of regular exercise and the extra sprinkle of the Within Pilates women's only & friendship pieces aside, below are the main benefits of Pilates:
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improves stability
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assists with pain relief
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improves strength
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tones
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low-impact
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improves posture
how often can/should I do it?
Joseph Pilates, the inventor, did Pilates everyday even until shortly before his death at 83 years of age.
it can be practiced everyday, but 3-4 times a week is recommended for changes in your strength, posture and stability. whether that's through a membership in our group classes or online, try to take some time out a few times a week for it to really reap the benefits.