PROFESSOR
Joseph Pilates
WHAT IS PILATES?​
Pilates aims to strengthen the body even, with particular emphasis on core strength to improve general fitness and wellbeing.
Pilates exercises are done on a mat or using special equipment, such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair. With its system of pulleys and springs, handles and straps, the apparatus can provide either resistance or support, depending on your needs.
German-born Joseph Pilates developed Pilates. Joseph believed mental and physical health were closely connected. Western forms of exercise influenced his method, including gymnastics, boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling. Pilates immigrated to the US in the 1920s and opened a studio in New York, where he taught his method, which he called "Contrology" – for several decades.
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WHO IS PILATES FOR, AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Pilates is suitable for all ages and levels of ability and fitness.
If you have any health concerns, such as a health condition or an injury, seek advice from a GP or a health professional before starting any exercise programme.
Pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility and relieve stress and tension.
There's some evidence that Pilates can provide pain relief to people with non-specific lower back pain.
CAN PILATES HELP ME LOSE WEIGHT?
Pilates is suitable for all ages and levels of ability and fitness.
If you have any health concerns, such as a health condition or an injury, seek advice from a GP or a health professional before starting any exercise programme.
Pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility and relieve stress and tension.
There's some evidence that Pilates can provide pain relief to people with non-specific lower back pain.
CAN I INJURE MYSELF DURING PILATES?
Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, so injuries are uncommon. However, it's essential to find a qualified teacher and a class suited to your level of fitness and ability.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PILATES AND YOGA?
While the methods are different, Pilates and yoga develop strength, balance, flexibility, posture, and good breathing techniques.
Both systems emphasise the connection between physical and mental health, although yoga emphasises relaxation and uses meditation. Pilates is performed both on apparatus and mats, whereas classic yoga does not require any equipment.
Pilates exercises are performed in a flow of movement, supported with repetitions, without the static poses associated with yoga.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPARATUS AND MAT WORK?
Mat work may involve traditional Pilates equipment, such as "magic circles" (pilates rings) or hand weights, and non-pilates gear, such as stretch bands, gym balls and foam rollers. Pilates with apparatus uses equipment designed by Joseph Pilates, such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector and Ladder Barrel.
Mat and apparatus pilates can be adapted to suit different levels of fitness and ability. However, if you cannot lie down on a mat for whatever reason, the apparatus can provide alternative ways to exercise.
Pilates can be taught on a 1-to-1 or group basis. If you have a health condition that may require close attention, check with the pilates teacher that their class is suitable. Classes using apparatus offer a higher level of individual attention, but they're usually more expensive.
CHOOSING A PILATES CLASS
Pilates can be taught in a dedicated pilates studio with apparatus or an open area with mats and small equipment. Both mat and apparatus pilates can be taught privately or in small groups, with most classes lasting 45 minutes to an hour.
Ideally, apparatus classes should be taught on a 1-to-1 basis and around a maximum of 12 format work to ensure personal attention can be provided. Some experience in using the apparatus is advisable before joining a group apparatus class.
When choosing a Pilates teacher, you should consider their experience and the quality of their training and personality and rapport.
Professor Pilates offers over ten years of experience supported with a sports therapy background.
