Written by Sonia and Braidy
Hit it hard yesterday? Want to still break a sweat without the intensity of a bootcamp today? Want to have a little ‘inner’ focus? Enter Pilates.
What is a Pilates workout?
It is common for beginners to often pronounce it wrong (typically a variation of ‘pirates’) versus Pilates (puh – laa – teez). The method dates back over 100 years since its founding by Joseph Pilates. Controlled movements when performed properly will do wonders for your flexibility and tone, it will increase muscle, mobilise your joints and spine, improve inhale and exhale practices, increase core strength, balance, endurance – and assist in improving posture.
The family of Pilates supports 2 style features – Classical and Contemporary. The classical repertoire’s sequencing and progressions are very much based around Josephs’ original teachings. For the purists out there, this is THE way it should be taught. Contemporary blends classical with other health and fitness disciplines. This system is based on a thorough understanding of the traditional repertoire, updated with what we now know about the human body and movement. It is a less regimented routine and said to have more creative flows of movement.
Before you know it, names like ‘The Hundreds, Single Leg Stretch, Roll-up, Hip Rolls’ will be part of your vocabulary and routine in the comfort of your own home.
Pilates is never easy when done correctly – and all you need is the space for a mat!
Before you jump right into it, to get the full benefits that Pilates will bring you, you have to understand what Pilates is about.
Pilates is based on a series of principles and your understanding and application of these principles to the exercises is paramount. Think of the principles as being the foundation to which you now build on to.
Breathing, Pelvic placement, rib cage placement, scapula movement and stabilisation, and head and cervical placement – these are our five basic principles. Big words that make a big difference!
We will walk you through each of the principles during our workout videos so that you can get the most out of your Pilates practice with us.
