Pilates
Classes run for 45 mins & cost £8.50
Suitable for all levels
Mondays @ 6.30pm
Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Ave, MK41 9QJ
At Priory we use the small hall. Entrance is to the left of the main door.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise system that started as a rehabilitation form of exercising more than 100 years ago. It has been used extensively by the dancing and gymnastic community which then fed into the fitness industry around the 1970's. Through specific movements, Pilates aims to train the mind to recruit the correct supportive muscles for stronger, more confident movement. It improves core and muscle strength, balance, flexibility and posture.
Pilates also aims to create a better connection between the mind and body, re-educating it to move correctly, allowing the participant to become more 'in tune' with how their body works. The moves can be quite gentle at first but there is plenty of scope to move up to an advanced level to create a much more challenging work out should the participant wish.
Who can do Pilates?
My classes suit all levels of participant; beginner through to advanced, men and women including pregnant and new mums. This is because each move is built up in layers, we all start with level 1 and then we 'layer up' so the participant is therefore able to choose their own level according to their capabilities. So long as you are able to get up and down from the floor with ease then you can
do these classes!
Introduction to Pilates
This short video will give you an insight as to what Pilates is about and shows a few of the basic moves
History of Pilates
Joseph Pilates (hence the name) developed this system of exercises which were intended to strengthen the human mind and body. Pilates believed that mental and physical health were interrelated. He was born in Germany, his father was a gymnast and his mother, a naturopath. He was a frail child, suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. His drive and determination to overcome these ailments resulted in him becoming a competent gymnast, diver and skier.
In 1912 Pilates lived in England working as a circus performer, boxer and self-defence instructor. During the First World War, he was interned with other German nationals and during this time he developed his technique of physical fitness further, by teaching his fellow internees.
Pilates emigrated to the USA in the early 1920s with his wife Clara, and together they developed and taught the method in their 'body-conditioning gym' in New York in 1926. Until the time of his death, his form of exercising was called Contrology, It was only after his death at the age of 83, that the name changed to the Pilates Method.
Through the years the Pilates Method has gradually evolved and integrated current bio-mechanical thinking, including utilising modern pieces of equipment. However, the roots of the technique are steeped in the philosophy and movement patterns designed by Joseph Pilates more than 100 years ago. Today his core method is still taught, as well as an evolved form integrating modern anatomical and bio-mechanical thinking by teachers.