What is Pilates?
Pilates is a method of exercise that strengthens and tones the body without building bulky muscles. It promotes alignment and elongation, avoiding boring repetitions by focusing on precision and concentration.
Pilates can help with recovery from injury or surgery, improve posture, reduce back pain and deal with many musculo-skeletal issues. It is an ideal way for anyone to keep fit, supple, strong and prevent injury.
Pilates can help with recovery from injury or surgery, improve posture, reduce back pain and deal with many musculo-skeletal issues. It is an ideal way for anyone to keep fit, supple, strong and prevent injury.
The different ways of doing Pilates
Pilates classes are usually one of two types: Equipment or Matwork.
Charles is qualified and experienced in teaching all types of Pilates.
Charles is qualified and experienced in teaching all types of Pilates.
Equipment classes
Sometimes referred to as "studio" classes, these use purpose-designed Pilates equipment within a specialised studio. Unlike equipment you might find in a gym, Pilates equipment often plays a supportive role, making some exercises easier, thereby allowing the person to focus on the important Pilates principles of alignment and precision.
The repertoire is larger than that of matwork classes and the exercises are more varied. Because springs are used to provide variable resistance, equipment exercises can be customised to suit any age, ability, injury or condition.
For more information, see the Equipment classes page.
Sometimes referred to as "studio" classes, these use purpose-designed Pilates equipment within a specialised studio. Unlike equipment you might find in a gym, Pilates equipment often plays a supportive role, making some exercises easier, thereby allowing the person to focus on the important Pilates principles of alignment and precision.
The repertoire is larger than that of matwork classes and the exercises are more varied. Because springs are used to provide variable resistance, equipment exercises can be customised to suit any age, ability, injury or condition.
For more information, see the Equipment classes page.
Matwork classes
At their simplest, matwork classes require only an area of floor space. They are usually done in groups, although private classes can be arranged - either in a studio or at home.
Matwork classes often have a greater sense of flow than equipment classes. With no need to change from one piece of equipment to another, one exercise can immediately follow another. In most exercises, resistance is provided by gravity. By careful selection of the exercises, matwork classes can range from gentle to very challenging.
For more information, see the Matwork classes page.
At their simplest, matwork classes require only an area of floor space. They are usually done in groups, although private classes can be arranged - either in a studio or at home.
Matwork classes often have a greater sense of flow than equipment classes. With no need to change from one piece of equipment to another, one exercise can immediately follow another. In most exercises, resistance is provided by gravity. By careful selection of the exercises, matwork classes can range from gentle to very challenging.
For more information, see the Matwork classes page.
Group or private?
Pilates classes can be for a group of people, or on an individual basis.
Classes for one person are known as private classes. They can make use of equipment or be matwork-based, depending on requirements. Private classes are more expensive than group classes, but are 100% tailored to the needs of the client. They are therefore very suited to someone starting out in Pilates, who wants to gain a good understanding of the Pilates basics, or to someone with a specific injury, need or requirement.
For more information, see the Private classes page.
Pilates classes can be for a group of people, or on an individual basis.
Classes for one person are known as private classes. They can make use of equipment or be matwork-based, depending on requirements. Private classes are more expensive than group classes, but are 100% tailored to the needs of the client. They are therefore very suited to someone starting out in Pilates, who wants to gain a good understanding of the Pilates basics, or to someone with a specific injury, need or requirement.
For more information, see the Private classes page.
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