PILATES FAQS
Things you might want to know about Pilates.
WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates is a mind and body conditioning method invented by German born, Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. He initially created a set of mat work exercises, followed by the creation of his spring-based apparatus, onto which he translated and developed his initial mat repertoire.
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These large pieces of equipment include the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Ladder Barrel.
WHAT DOES PILATES AIM TO ACHIEVE?
Pilates aims to uniformly develop the strength and mobility of the body as a whole system, including the different types of movements we perform in daily life.
It also focusses on the mental approach or attitude engaged whilst executing movements, thus cultivating more mind-body awareness and connection.
WHO IS PILATES FOR?
Pilates is good for everyone: young and old, male and female, fit and unfit. But of course the outcome will be directly linked to the connection you develop with your teacher, and how much you gain from the sessions.
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Different people want and like different things from exercise, so the manner and approach you use will also determine whether you feel Pilates is for you.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PILATES?
General benefits include: stress management, improved core strength, increased flexibility, strength development, improved postural awareness, enhanced balance and stability, injury prevention or rehabilitation, sporting event cross training, pregnancy or postpartum support and occupational health support.
HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK SHOULD I DO PILATES?
Pilates is best practiced 2 or 3 times per week, particularly in the early period of learning the repertoire.
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However, one weekly session will still yield tangible results, and the more experienced you become, the more you will gain from that one session.
HOW QUICKLY WILL I SEE RESULTS?
Some initial results may be experienced within your first 5 sessions.
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However, frequency of practice and time are needed to gain the fullest results in the practice of Pilates.
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Joseph Pilates recommended assessing growth after 10, 20 and 30 sessions.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAT AND APPARATUS PILATES?
Mat exercises take place on a mat on the floor and mostly rely on body weight and gravity to develop your body.
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Apparatus repertoire takes place on large pieces of spring-based equipment - such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair. This spring resistance progressively stimulates muscle development, and can equally be used to support or challenge the body.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PILATES?
There are many different approaches to Pilates, and the Method has evolved in a number of different ways since it was first created.
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A Classical approach aims to execute exercises as closely as possible to their original design, Contemporary Pilates aims to develop the repertoire based on modern needs and knowledge, while a Clinical approach focusses on injury rehabilitation.
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However, principles such as
Control, Centre, Flow, Precision and Breath should characterise any approach.
IS PILATES SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
Assuming that your healthcare practitioner has no concerns with you taking the sessions, Pilates is safe to do during all stages of pre-conception, pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
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If you are doing Pilates at the point of conception, it is great to continue with your sessions. If you are pregnant when you enrol, you would usually begin after the onset of your second trimester.