FAQs

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a full body exercise system that teaches you awareness of how to move and isolate your body. It helps tone and lengthen muscles, which addresses muscle imbalances. Deep muscles known as your 'core' are recruited during Pilates exercises. These are the closest layer of muscle to your spine, pelvis, and shoulders, so it's important that they're activated and that you're made aware of them. Pilates can be performed lying, sitting, or standing and can really benefit your body during daily activities.

Pilates was developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920s. He had poor health in childhood, which sparked his interest in physical fitness. While working in an infirmary in England during the First World War, he engineered a rig from bed springs to offer resistance exercises for patients. This became the basis for reformer Pilates. He moved to New York in 1926 where he drew a following from dancers. The technique has stood the test of time and everything we do today is still strongly based on the repertoire he developed.

What are Pilates exercises like?

Pilates exercises start slow and controlled because it's important to activate the correct muscles. This is a key principle at Laura's Pilates & Injury Therapy: making sure you feel the exercise in the correct area. Exercises can be performed sitting, standing, lying down, or on hands and knees. They target and challenge the core, legs, hips, back, body awareness, coordination, arms, and tummy.

Is there a difference between Pilates and yoga?

In my opinion, both are helpful depending on what you're looking to achieve. Pilates increases stimulus and activity to an area as we strengthen nerve pathways and bring awareness to different parts of the body through movement. We help regain muscular balance between both sides of the body in terms of length and strength. My sessions run smoothly through a sequence of exercises where you perform repetitions rather than holding static poses.

Within my classes I don't make the breath a focal point. This is my personal approach, as I find people can get overwhelmed with breathing and forget about which muscles we actually want to work. A few clients have mentioned how well they sleep after sessions, perhaps due to the release of tension through movement or taking their mind off everyday stresses.Yoga has a long history with many different forms. Some concentrate on mind and spirit with meditation playing a big role, which is a key difference. Other yoga classes move through positions and hold poses for a duration.

How will Pilates benefit me?

Improved body awareness. Improved muscular balance between left and right sides. Improved coordination and balance. Strengthening of muscles and joint structures. Helps with pre and post surgery rehabilitation. Improved flexibility. Increased spinal stability. Improved posture. Stress management and improved sleep. Increased concentration.

I have back troubles, can I do Pilates?

Many people that come through our doors have back trouble. Some cases are due to weaknesses in deep stabilising muscles. This could be from over-activity of superficial muscles which end up doing the job of the deeper ones. Other people may have strained a muscle from lifting or working. Either way, Pilates is a gentle form of exercise that allows the body to focus on recruiting the correct muscles. So yes, Pilates is great if you suffer from back issues.

Pilates and pregnancy?

Pilates brings awareness to the body and helps maintain everything working together during a time where increased laxity in joints and muscles can throw things off balance. Pre and post natal Pilates is catered for at Laura's Pilates & Injury Therapy.

Pregnancy should be thought of in four stages: trimesters one, two, and three, plus the three months after birth, due to the physiological changes that occur. During pregnancy the abdominal wall separates to make space for the baby, so exercises need to be modified. As the baby grows, the pelvic floor is put under increased pressure, so exercises and awareness of how to activate these muscles are important. The health of your back and pelvic area will be tested during pregnancy. Pilates helps strengthen these areas and makes you aware of the muscles you're recruiting to protect your back.

How often should I do Pilates?

Pilates has so many benefits and doesn't create stress on the body, so it can be done every day in your own time. The more you practice, the better you'll get and the more you'll take from it. Most of my clients come once a week, with some coming twice. Those who come just once a week are amazed at how it benefits them, even though I only give them one or two things to focus on between sessions.

Can Pilates help my sporting performance?

Flexibility is an important principle of fitness and can be forgotten when trying to fit in training, work, and family. Pilates helps improve flexibility, balances muscular strength on both sides (which is important for sports played on one side of the body), and helps with stress management both physically and mentally. It can help you wind down and relax once tension is released from the body.

Is Pilates just for women?

No! Pilates is for both genders, all ages, and all abilities.

Do you use equipment during classes?

During group classes and private sessions I use similar equipment. I always start with body weight so you can focus on how and what you're moving. Equipment brings variety and extra challenge, or helps increase attention to areas we're trying to work.Group classes: Resistance bands, inflatable balls, wobble cushions, medicine balls, Pilates rings, and Reformers.Private sessions: All of the above plus suspension straps (TRX), foam rollers, kettlebells, and stability balls.