How do I know if my Pilates instructor is a qualified teacher?
An instructor should have their authentic certificate of qualification on hand at the studio. Alternatively you may check the list of instructors on industry body websites, such as the Australian Pilates Method Association (APMA), Pilates Alliance of Australasia (PAA) or The Pilates Method Alliance, for example.
I thought Pilates was just Mat exercises?
Pilates Matwork is perhaps the better-known style of exercise as it is the most accessible in fitness centres and community groups. Matwork utilises small props and the resistance of gravity to work one’s body.
Our ‘Clinical Pilates Studio Classes’ utilise specifically designed Pilates equipment, such as the Reformer, the Trapeze Table and the Wunda Chair to achieve the movement outcomes we are after. Resistance or assistance to each exercise is provided by a variety of spring ranges and pulleys. These may be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the client is able to move with this desired movement pattern. It is the overlaying and then constant practice of these ‘ideal movement patterns’ that ensures that the body is moving in the best way possible for each individual.
What is the difference between using apparatus and just doing Matwork?
The apparatus allows for modification of exercise through the changing of springs and altering equipment setup. Due to the intricacies of the exercise, equipment sessions are often performed in small groups or in an individual setting where detailed corrections and adaptations to movement patterns are made. Programs may be prescribed to the individual’s needs and goals.
Matwork only requires a mat and at times small props, and is therefore more easily accessible. The focus is on movement of the body against gravity, and with increased complexity in choreography and continuity of exercise, this format can prove to be quite challenging when done correctly.
When working under a qualified instructor either format is graded and adapted to the participant’s ability.
My friends tell me that Pilates is just like Yoga. How do I explain the difference between these two exercise modalities?
Yoga is one of the six orthodox schools in Hindu philosophy. It is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and aims to use meditation to attain spiritual insight and tranquillity. We understand that Yoga focuses on flexibility and mobility.
Pilates focuses on the development of core control, stability and the creation of dynamic, functional total body movement. Through Pilates, one will develop postural strength and endurance as well as mobility and flexibility.
Through movement we also benefit and create efficiency in all of our ‘Body Systems’ including, but not limited to, the vascular, respiratory, endocrine and digestive systems.
For the experienced Pilates practitioner, Pilates can be a very challenging, dynamic and powerful workout.
What are the benefits of Pilates training?
Pilates is key in the development of core control, correct joint alignment, flexibility, postural strength, form and endurance as well as coordination and skill. It is also a very successful rehabilitation tool, ensuring that any undue compensatory movement patterns that have occurred during the injury phase are not carried on once the body has healed. This is a vital process to protect the body from future problems/degeneration.
Beneath the surface, we gain improved breathing and therefore oxygenation of the cells, improved circulation, and digestion and lymphatic drainage.
I am healthy and fit, why should I add Pilates to my workout program?
Running and cycling will provide us with aerobic fitness, weight training with strength and ball sports with hand/eye coordination, for example. To ensure the correct execution of all of these, indeed with any other form of exercise, and to develop correct alignment and skill of acquisition, one needs to specifically exercise the deeper intrinsic ‘core’ group of muscles. This helps to create a rounded exercise program and reduce the chance of injury, which may occur during any ballistic form of exercise.
Pilates requires great focus during movement and it is this increase in ‘body awareness’ (proprioception) that permeates into how we hold our bodies, move throughout the day and engage in our sports and hobbies.
I have health issues that limit my participation in regular exercise programs. Is it safe for me to do Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that may be attempted by the young and old, male and female, experienced movers or novices. Pilates teachers have postural and movement pattern assessment skills and through this can provide an exercise program to suit any person who requires additional support, as well as to those who are seeking a stronger challenge in their workouts. Here at Empathy Pilates our clients range from young teenagers up to 80+ year olds. Professional sports people or just those looking to move better have all found us a great addition to their exercise regime.
Why is Pilates so different from lifting weights for strength training?
Lifting weights for strength training, is to the large global prime mover muscle groups what Pilates is to the deeper intrinsic muscle groups. For correct body function we must have both groups working equally, in balance and succession. The structure of Pilates not only strengthens muscles, but also facilitates flexibility, joint mobility and efficiency of the internal systems of the body. Postural improvements then follow this balancing of our muscle groups and this, in turn, reduces the stiffness and the general discomfort that poor posture causes.
How many days a week should I do Pilates?
If adding Pilates to an existing exercise program, 1 to 2 times a week is satisfactory. If Pilates is the only exercise you are doing, then 2 to 3 times a week is recommended.
What if my schedule won’t allow me to participate at least twice a week?
The principles of Pilates are designed to improve posture, alignment and execution of movement. We aim to create functionality with exercise so that one may take the new movement patterns into their daily routine.
Here at Empathy Pilates, your teacher is very happy to provide a safe home based mat work program so that you may continue with your Pilates at home when you cannot attend our studio.
How quickly will I see results from my Pilates training?
As Joseph Pilates himself famously said
“you will feel a change after 10 sessions, you will see a change after 20 sessions and you will have a new body after 30 sessions” J.H.Pilates. ‘Your Health’ , published 1934.
What Should One Expect when Commencing Pilates?
The Pilates Method is a specific form of rehabilitative exercise that is bound by a registration process and Codes of Ethics and Practice adhered to by both Studios and teachers.
The Initial Assessment
When embarking on a Pilates Program, one should undertake an Initial Assessment with their practitioner. This assessment will be one hour in length and a complete and subjective medical and fitness history is taken, as well as an objective fitness assessment or screening. This assessment is non-invasive and allows the practitioner to work with the client on identifying movement faults, strengths, weaknesses, goals and objectives and level of ability. This will ensure that the correct program of exercise is applied.
If attending a new studio, even after having attended Pilates elsewhere, it is in one’s best interest as well as being a legal obligation by that new studio, to complete an initial assessment to ensure that the correct program is developed for the individual.
Following the initial assessment, your instructor will determine your level of competency and compose the initial exercise plan most suited to your needs and ability. It may be necessary to complete a number of individual sessions in order to become to familiar with the principles of movement, to correct any faulty biomechanics that have been identified and to be introduced to the apparatus before transitioning to a more semi-supervised style of session. This is imperative to in order to ensure a safe and efficient execution of the Pilates Method.
What to bring?
Wear comfortable clothing – neither too loose nor too tight
Clean socks
A small hand towel is recommended
Water bottle (water is also available in our studio)
Please ensure that long hair is tied back and kindly avoid wearing any sharp jewellery as this may damage our equipment upholstery