Q: 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.

Question 1

WHAT IS PILATES?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO PILATES?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

WILL I LOSE WEIGHT IF I DO PILATES?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

ISN'T PILATES JUST FOR WOMEN?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

ISN'T PILATES THE SAME AS YOGA?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 8

WHAT ARE THE 8 PRINCIPLES OF PILATES?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

WHAT IS A T-ZONE?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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 join 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.

Frequently Asked Questions