Pilates is a system of exercises that focuses on strength, flexibility, breathing, posture and balance. There is apparatus based Pilates and matwork Pilates. Here at Pure Physiotherapy we have focused on matwork Pilates which means that all the exercises are done standing, sitting or lying on the mat.
See http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/pilates.aspx for more information.
Pilates is for everyone! Whether you exercise regularly or not at all, Pilates will benefit you. It can also be useful for people who are recovering from injuries. It is suitable for all ages, males & females. Pilates can be really helpful during and after pregnancy but please let the instructor know as some exercises will need to be modified, particularly in the later stages.
During a matwork Pilates class you will be expected to get on & off the floor therefore you must be able to do this. If you have any unstable health conditions such as heart problems, breathing conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, or unstable blood pressure it may not be appropriate for you to take part in an exercise class. Please seek your doctor’s advice.
It is important to let the instructor know of ANY health conditions as it may mean the exercises need to be modified slightly for you. This information should be written on the Pilates consent form and you can speak directly to the instructor.
Pilates can be tailored to meet individual needs. The benefits of Pilates will be improved flexibility, improved stability at the tummy/back, hips and shoulders, improved muscle tone, improved balance, reduced pain, reduced risk of injury, and improvements in general well being.
Experience shows us that a number of people who attend Pilates regularly notice a reduction in their pain levels and that they have less flare ups of long term conditions.
The class will be aimed at beginners to start with, so although everyone will have different levels of fitness no one will be an expert! There will be a maximum of 10 people in a class. The small group sizes allow us to adapt exercises to individual requirements and to ensure everyone is doing the exercises correctly.
The class will run for 1 hour weekly. The normal format is about 15 minutes of stretches, 15 minutes of abdominal exercises, 15 minutes of upper body exercises and 15 minutes of hip and bottom exercises.
Most people find that they spend the first 2-3 sessions concentrating on doing the exercise in the correct position and so it is not until after this time that they feel they have ‘had a work out’. So just keep persevering!
After the 6 week beginner class the classes will continue and the exercises will be progressed.
Claire Gardner has been leading Pilates classes internationally over the past 4 years. She completed her training with the Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (APPI) in 2009/10. APPI have modified some of the traditional Pilates exercises to fit with a current understanding of the stabilising muscles. Claire is a Chartered Physiotherapist with 10 years experience which helps her to alter exercises based on individual needs or injuries whilst still helping people reach their goals. She has been teaching matwork Pilates in New Zealand for 3 years for beginner up to advanced level and has used apparatus and matwork based Pilates since returning to the UK. She finds great satisfaction in helping people improve their flexibility and body awareness, and enjoys seeing people learning to move with greater ease.
The classes will be held on: Tuesday 6-7pm
Please contact Pure Physiotherapy on 01603 791190 to book your place. Places will be given on a first come first served bases.
A 6 week beginner course will cost £48.
The classes are held at the Trinity United Reform Church.
1 Unthank road
Norwich NR2 2PA
Based in the hall just behind the church.
Wear comfortable clothes that you feel free to move in. We do not wear shoes during Pilates and you do not need any fancy sportswear. If you are able, please bring a towel and a drink.
Please contact Pure Physiotherapy on 01603 791190 to book your place. Places will be given on a first come first served bases.
A 6 week beginner course will cost £48.