What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system of over hundreds of controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulk.

Pilates works several muscles groups at one time through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilising the core (the abdomen, back, pelvic and shoulder girdle regions). Pilates is not a gym class or a physiotherapy session.

Is all Pilates the same?

Due to the popularity of Pilates there has been a surge of many fitness professionals to offer their own Pilates inspired programmes, combining elements of Pilates with other training regimes, such as ballet barre, yoga and cross training.

At Soul Pilates the classes are taught with a full understanding of the authentic Pilates Method which was originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates, but with an understanding of current scientific concepts.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

With regular committed Pilates workouts the extensive benefits of Pilates include, but are not limited to the following:

• Increased health, fitness and sense of wellbeing
• Muscle conditioning, strength and flexibility
• Long and lean muscle tone
• Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core
• Improved posture and alignment
• Reduce stress, boost energy, relieve tension
• Promote recovery from strain and injury
• Enhanced balance and co-ordination
• Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness

Will I lose weight in Pilates?

In conjunction with a balanced diet and daily cardio exercise Pilates can be a huge factor in a weight loss programme. Pilates exercises help to strengthen, sculpt and tone the body whilst building long, lean muscles. You will feel taller and leaner through continued Pilates practice.

How often should I do Pilates?

Two or three sessions per week will help attain optimum results, taking a day off between to enjoy some kind of cardiovascular activity. This kind of regular, consistent practice will help you make the mind-body connection and integrate the various Pilates principles.

’10 ten sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference and in 30 you will have a new body’.
Joseph Pilates