PILATES

WHAT IS PILATES?

It is so much more than gaining a “strong core” or the “perfect posture”. Pilates has been practiced since the 1920's when Joseph and Clara Pilates opened their 'Body Conditioning Gym' in New York City.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Pilates works by addressing structural imbalances found anywhere in the body by lengthening and strengthening muscles where needed, in order to improve overall fitness, retrain movement patterns, align posture and optimize physical geometry and function. Prevention from pain, injury and illness is at its core, as Pilates sets out to correct dysfunctional movement patterns and unhealthy lifestyle habits, in every activity which may be considered a risk. 

Regular practitioners feel a heightened sense of awareness and ease in their bodies during work and daily life and athlete’s report better performance and less frequent injuries, from which they recover faster. Doctors and physiotherapists recommend the method as one of the most effective forms of exercise.

Read more about Benefits of Pilates

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Pilates method has gradually evolved, allowing adaptation to a wide range of the population. Due to the emphasis on proper alignment of joints and correcting motion, it is the perfect tool to repair injuries and diseases, for people of all ages and physical abilities.

Our sessions are also offered for those who are searching for a high quality experience of the Pilates method, as a long term method of exercise, where sessions individually tailored to their occupation, hobby, sport, age or medical history.

 
 
 

HOW IS IT DONE?

All Pilates sessions at Central Balance are taught by sufficiently trained practitioners. Once an Initial Assessment has been completed, the appropriate session type will be chosen for your identified goals and needs. 1 hour sessions are taught 1:1, 1: 2-3, or in small groups of 6 or 7 people.

 

Private Pilates Sessions

  • One to one

  • Guided by instructor at all times, providing personalised exercises 

  • Possibility of more hands-on guidance during the session and elements of manual therapy with movement are included

  • Sessions may focus more on pain relief and have similar effects to a physiotherapy treatment session 

  • Programme adapted to how you are feeling on the day, as well as overall progress and development

Semi Private Pilates Sessions

  • Maximum 2 or 3 participants, depending on each participants’ needs.

  • Personalised exercises and guidance, for each participant by the instructor

  • Programme adapted to how you are feeling on the day, as well as overall progress and development

Group Pilates Sessions 

  • Mixed level Group class

  • Maximum 7 people

  • Working on large and/or small equipment

  • Guided by instructor at all times

  • Exercises focus on progressing rehabilitation following injury, surgery or pathology

  • In the case of ongoing health concerns, a minimum of 5 private or semi-private clinical sessions are required, prior to joining any group class

  • The first session is free for trial!


STUDIO OR MAT WORK?

Pilates Studio equipment sessions and Pilates Mat-work sessions can both facilitate beneficial changes in the body, when carried out by a knowledgeable, accredited teacher. 

Pilates can be taught in a specialized studio with large equipment, which provide resistance through pulleys and springs, as well as support. These are usually taught as semi private sessions, consisting of 2-3 people at a time, or may be taught on a private basis, so that individual attention may be given to each client safely during the use of the equipment. Each client is provided with a unique exercise program, tailored to their specific needs.  

In contrast, a Matwork class is carried out on a floor mat, using small equipment such as balls, resistance bands and hand weights. Sessions are usually carried out in small groups consisting between 3 to 6 participants, or more. All participants move through the exercises together as a group. In some ways Matwork classes can be more advanced, as there is no apparatus to support and your own body against gravity is used to provide resistance. 

Studio equipment sessions tend to be more expensive than Matwork sessions, as a dedicated space with rather expensive equipment is required and greater individual attention is provided. Certain medical and rehabilitation conditions require studio equipment sessions. 

Your teacher should be able to advise you on choosing the right session type for you to participate on a regular basis, in terms of time, cost and your individual goals.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

If you haven’t already, prior to your appointment, remember to bring any doctor’s prescriptions, scan results, medication list, a towel and comfortable clothes.