What is Pilates?

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The Pilates Method was created by Joseph Pilates. He was born in Germany in 1883 and was a sickly child so he turned to athletics and exercise to try to improve his health. Having studied various exercise regimes he created his own based on "the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit." While interned in the UK during the First World War he refined his ideas and trained his fellow internees in his method, calling it ‘Contrology.’ He added springs to hospital beds in order to help bedridden patients exercise against resistance – this was the origin of the Trapeze Table.

In 1926 he emigrated to the United States and opened a studio in New York with his wife Clara (at an address shared with the New York City Ballet), where they taught many prominent dancers of the period.

Joseph Pilates trained his clients until his death in 1967. Many of his trainees, including Carola Trier, Kathy Grant, Lolita San Miguel, Eve Gentry, Bruce King and Mary Bowen (now called the Pilates ‘elders’) went on to open their own studios and continued to teach the Pilates Method after his death.

“Time and progress are synonymous terms - nothing can stop either. Truth will prevail and that is why I know my teachings will reach the masses and finally be adopted as universal”
— Joseph Pilates

I have an injury, can I still do Pilates?    

Absolutely! Pilates is extremely effective for rehabilitation of various injuries and conditions. We work carefully and precisely within safe ranges of movement in order to help clients start moving again and reduce their pain.

“Change happens through movement, and movement heals”
— Joseph Pilates

I am not injured, can I still benefit from Pilates?

Yes, definitely. Joseph Pilates was interested in whole body health so his method focuses on working and developing the whole body evenly. Pilates' devotees find that it helps them gain strength and flexibility in their muscles, mobility in their joints (including the spine) and improves their balance and posture. Clients often report feeling a couple of inches taller after a session!

We also focus on how the body is working as a whole and on improving strategies of movement in order to prevent future injury.

 
 
“Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit”
— Joseph Pilates

As well as the physical benefits, Pilates’ focus on breathing and mindful movement means that clients finish a session feeling refreshed, calm, happy and relaxed.

Can Pilates help improve my ability in other activities?

Yes! Pilates is extremely versatile and can be used to help improve performance in just about any sport or activity. It is used by rugby players and ballet dancers alike! The use of the Pilates equipment in particular can help to improve ability in activities such as golf, tennis, running, dance and swimming.

How many sessions should I do each week to see results?

It is entirely up to you. You can come once a week, twice a week or every other week. If you want to see quick changes in your body then 2-3 times a week is ideal. Some clients like to attend weekly private sessions as well as group sessions or duets so they can practise more regularly.

Do I need to bring anything with me to my first session? What should I wear?

If you have grip socks, these are perfect to wear on the Pilates equipment. If not, you can also wear normal socks that are not too thick. Wear something you can move comfortably in – leggings or tracksuit bottoms and a fitted top or t-shirt are fine.