FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS PILATES?

Pilates is a form of strength training that focuses on the core stabilising muscles. Pilates strengthens and tones the entire body and will correct posture and muscle imbalances (which is why Pilates is often recommended by physiotherapists). Pilates focuses on correct muscle activation and control to perform movements. Rather than heavy weights, Pilates uses resistance (body weight resistance or spring resistance) to tone muscles. Pilates is usually performed on a mat (matwork Pilates) or on a reformer (a moving carriage with springs).

I'M NOT FIT, CAN I STILL DO PILATES?

Absolutely! Anyone, at any fitness level, can do Pilates. I modify each exercise to make it easier or harder for each client individually, so regardless of how fit you are, you will benefit from Pilates.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO PILATES?

I recommend three times a week if you want to see instant results! However, you will still tone muscle and get a great workout from even one of my classes.

I HAVE SOME INJURIES, AM I STILL ABLE TO DO PILATES?

Absolutely! Pilates corrects muscle imbalances and is great for injury rehabilitation. In fact, Pilates is recommended by physiotherapists. I modify each exercise individually for every client, particularly those with injuries.

WILL I LOSE WEIGHT IF I DO PILATES?

Pilates is a strength training workout designed to 'tone muscle' rather than burn fat. You will still burn calories doing Pilates, however if your goal is to 'lose body fat quickly', then you may also need to consider positive changes to your diet and other lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption.

Eating healthy and doing Pilates will tone and transform your body!

To accelerate the loss of excess body fat, why not consider extra cardio in addition to your Pilates classes.

ISN'T PILATES JUST FOR WOMEN?

No! Absolutely not! Pilates is for men too. In fact, I have male clients who regularly train. Pilates is a total body toning and strengthening workout, so it's great for anyone! Men see fantastic results even if they are already fit and strong, as we focus on smaller muscles in our workouts too, not just the traditional large muscle groups.

If you think Pilates is easy, come give it a go! Making the exercises harder for you is easy for me to do.

Pilates is used by A-List Hollywood movies stars, professional athletes and people across the world - both male and female.

ISN'T PILATES THE SAME AS YOGA?

No! Pilates and Yoga are NOT the same thing! They have some similarities and can both be performed on a mat but they are very different.

Pilates is a form of strength training that focuses on the core stabilising muscles. Pilates strengthens and tones the entire body, and will correct posture and muscle imbalances (which is why Pilates is recommended by physiotherapists). Pilates focuses on correct muscle activation and control to perform movements. Rather than heavy weights, Pilates uses resistance (body weight resistance or spring resistance) to tone muscles. Pilates is usually performed on a mat or on a reformer (a moving carriage with springs).

Yoga uses a range of techniques including stretching, breathing, different postures, relaxation and mediation to improve health and well-being (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual).

WHAT ARE THE 8 PRINCIPLES OF PILATES?

1 - Concentration
2 - Centring
3 - Breathing
4 - Control
5 - Precision
6 - Flowing Movement
7 - Isolation
8 - Routine

WHAT IS A T-ZONE?

Transversus Abdominis + Pelvic Floor = T-Zone!

Throughout my classes, clients will often hear me say 'tighten your T-Zone'. Two of the main muscles I am referring to (and what I mean by T-Zone) are your Transversus Abdominis and Pelvic Floor muscles.

The T-Zone refers to an imaginary capital T drawn on the front of your pelvis by lifting your pelvic floor muscles up (the feeling of squeezing to stop from going to the toilet) and squeezing your Transversus Abdominis muscle tight (which acts like a corset for core stability) by squeeing your hip bones together or using your lower abdominals to flatten the lower part of your stomach into your spine.

It's the same muscles you tighten right before you're about to cough. You can feel these muscles tighten by placing your fingers 2cm inside your hip bones and pressing in. We tighten these muscles before, and during, all of our exercises in Pilates for core strength and stability.

"BUT I'VE NEVER DONE PILATES BEFORE, SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING... AND I'M NOT REALLY GOOD AT EXERCISE..."

Is this you?

If it is, then pilates with me is PERFECT for you! Trust me, I hear all of the excuses in the book when I ask people to join my class. It doesn't matter whether you've never exercised before, if you're shy, or if you hate group fitness classes, this is different, and you will love it!

Even if you don't know what Pilates is, that's FINE. You can still joins us. My classes are ABSOLUTELY SUPPORTIVE! You will NEVER feel silly in one of my classes, I won't let it happen! EVERYONE is welcome.

My classes are a safe space for all! I will take care of you, and help you with every exercise, every single step of the way. You are never left alone, and there is no judgement, only ENCOURAGEMENT! Everyone who comes to my classes are there because they want to get fit, toned, have fun and make new friends! Join our community today!

Make new friends, meet new people, learn something new and challenge yourself all while getting fit and toning your body.

Beginners are welcome at ANY class.