WHAT IS PILATES?
A Brief History
Developed and used by German-born Joseph Pilates during the First World War, the Pilates method (then dubbed 'Contrology'), Pilates trialled his technique to support bed-bound patients with developing muscle tone from the hospital bed. With some adjustments, this hospital bed set-up became the first incarnation of the Pilates Reformer machines we know today.
Pilates' method focused on harnessing a mind-body connection, and taught his technique as a supplement for mental and physical conditioning to work the body to its full potential. It was wildly successful from the outset, as students of the techniques found they recovered faster from injury and managed to prevent recurrence.
REFORMER PILATES
What is Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates is a type of Pilates exercise performed on a specialised machine called a Reformer, which consists of a sliding carriage, springs for resistance, and adjustable straps or bars. It provides a dynamic and versatile way to strengthen, stretch, and tone the body. Reformer Pilates can be tailored to fit various fitness levels and goals, making it a versatile and practical workout option.
Features of Reformer Plates
- Full-body workout: Targets core strength while engaging arms, legs, and back.
- Adjustable resistance: The springs allow for customizable intensity, making it suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners.
- Controlled movements: Exercises are performed with precision, emphasizing proper alignment and muscle engagement.
- Improved flexibility and posture: Encourages lengthening muscles and correcting alignment.
- Rehabilitation-friendly: Ideal for injury recovery and building strength in a safe, low-impact way.
Who Can Benefit?
- Individuals looking to improve strength, flexibility, and posture.
- Athletes are seeking cross-training to enhance performance.
- People recovering from injuries or managing chronic pain.
- Anyone looking for a challenging yet low-impact exercise option.
MAT VS REFORMER PILATES
Benefits of Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates is a powerful, yet completely accessible practice. Though you can add equipment, such as balls, bands, or lightweights, mat Pilates can be as effective if you use your body weight! It's excellent for building foundational strength, correcting posture, core control, and increasing flexibility.
Benefits of Reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates uses a specialist machine, designed to add variety, resistance, and support to your movements. Reformer provides a more dynamic approach to your Pilates practice, and the machines are fully adjustable to your needs. Reformer Pilates builds on the core principles of Mat Pilates to give you a workout to suit you—whether for rehabilitation or athletic challenge!
Benefits of a Combined Practice
Blending Mat and Reformer Pilates can provide a more well-rounded workout that enhances core strength, increases flexibility, improves balance and coordination, promotes better posture, and supports overall body stability and muscle engagement.
Our Pilates Sessions
Beginners Pilates
In this class, you will be taught the basic principles & Pilates movements using techniques from STOTT Pilates method & Body Control.
This class is the start point anyone new to Pilates whether you are an experienced exerciser or do not exercise at all, it is aimed at complete beginners to Pilates, it is suitable for those with back conditions & injuries.
The class starts as a course of lessons to ensure that you have learnt all the basic principles. After the ‘Beginners Course’ the session will continue as a beginner’s class, where you will start to progress the exercises and learn new ones.
Every person is different on how they progress and your instructor will discuss with you when they feel you are able to graduate to the mixed or Intermediate Class.
Mixed & Intermediate Pilates
MIXED PILATES: The Mixed class is suitable for beginners once you have mastered the basic principles: Abdominal Activation, Pelvic & Shoulder Stabilisation & Alignment. in this class you will progess the exercises
INTERMEDIATE: For those have experience doing Pilates in this class you will be challenging your core muscle a lot more and will be introduced to different pieces of equipment including, bands, small Balls, Larger exercise balls, Foam rollers & the Pilates ring. This class is faster paced.
Remedial Pilates
This is a class specifically for those who have mobility issues, a back injury, muscular or skeletal conditions.
We use a support of a chair for seated and standing exercises and limit transitions between exercises.
Stretch, Pilates & Relaxation
This is gentle Pilates & Body mechanics exercises with a greater focus on stretching & relaxation and is great for tight, achy muscles & joints.
This class is suitable for a complete beginner and those with back pain, injuries & conditions such as Arthritis, but also for those who wants to improve their flexibility or help aid recovery after exercise.
The daytime class is popular with the retired age group, but is also a great class for anyone of any age who suffers with aches, pains & stiffness!
1 WEEK CLASS OFFER
New to Platinum Wellness? Come and try unlimited Main Studio Classes* for 1 week for just £15
*Reformer classes not included