Commonly Asked Questions About Pilates
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise system devised by Joseph Pilates to promote good alignment, breathing technique, balance, strength and flexibility.
When taught correctly it enhances physical fitness, relaxes
the mind, and reduces back pain and injury.
What is the difference between doing mat exercises and using Pilates equipment?
Mat exercises are designed so that you can do them anywhere, whether lying down, on all fours, sitting or standing. This is the traditional form of Pilates.
In order to further challenge the body, we have also developed ways to incorporate the Fitness Circle, Swiss balls, weighted balls, foam rollers, poles and resistance bands into your workout.
In addition, we use a range of machines developed by Joseph Pilates, including the Reformer, Trapeze Table (sometimes called the Cadillac), the Split Pedal (Wunda) Chair, Ladder Barrel and Arc Barrels.
These offer a different workout to the mat exercises and they can be modified for any level of fitness.
Pilates is an exercise system devised by Joseph Pilates to promote good alignment, breathing technique, balance, strength and flexibility.
When taught correctly it enhances physical fitness, relaxes
the mind, and reduces back pain and injury.
What is the difference between doing mat exercises and using Pilates equipment?
Mat exercises are designed so that you can do them anywhere, whether lying down, on all fours, sitting or standing. This is the traditional form of Pilates.
In order to further challenge the body, we have also developed ways to incorporate the Fitness Circle, Swiss balls, weighted balls, foam rollers, poles and resistance bands into your workout.
In addition, we use a range of machines developed by Joseph Pilates, including the Reformer, Trapeze Table (sometimes called the Cadillac), the Split Pedal (Wunda) Chair, Ladder Barrel and Arc Barrels.
These offer a different workout to the mat exercises and they can be modified for any level of fitness.
Karen teaching mat class in Rushden
What will classes be like?
Our classes run for 75 minutes. They include a variety
of mat exercises and usually end with guided relaxation.
We try to take your body through a range of movement that it would not go through during an average day. We finish with relaxation techniques, teaching you to release
tension and switch-off a busy mind. Blankets are used to keep you warm during relaxation.
How do I know if the exercises will be right for me?
Taught properly, Pilates mat exercises can be both gentle and demanding. To begin with, you must ensure you
have a properly qualified instructor who understands your requirements.
All the exercises have modifications and levels, and a good instructor will ensure you are working at the right level for your ability. For some people it is more appropriate to begin with private tuition, and the use of
equipment, than a feeder class.
Are there different levels of classes for beginners or those who have more experience?
We run Feeder Courses each term for new people to learn the principles, terminology and some of the basic exercises. At the end of the Feeder Course you can join any of the Level 1 classes and know that you will be continuing your Pilates at the correct pace, with an instructor who knows
your requirements.
All our classes have no more than 12 participants per session so that our instructors have time to check on everyone attending. Remember that you are paying for US to watch you work-out, not the other way around!
We run Level 2 classes for people who have a good understanding of the Pilates method and can move easily from one exercise to the next with good technique.
Our classes run for 75 minutes. They include a variety
of mat exercises and usually end with guided relaxation.
We try to take your body through a range of movement that it would not go through during an average day. We finish with relaxation techniques, teaching you to release
tension and switch-off a busy mind. Blankets are used to keep you warm during relaxation.
How do I know if the exercises will be right for me?
Taught properly, Pilates mat exercises can be both gentle and demanding. To begin with, you must ensure you
have a properly qualified instructor who understands your requirements.
All the exercises have modifications and levels, and a good instructor will ensure you are working at the right level for your ability. For some people it is more appropriate to begin with private tuition, and the use of
equipment, than a feeder class.
Are there different levels of classes for beginners or those who have more experience?
We run Feeder Courses each term for new people to learn the principles, terminology and some of the basic exercises. At the end of the Feeder Course you can join any of the Level 1 classes and know that you will be continuing your Pilates at the correct pace, with an instructor who knows
your requirements.
All our classes have no more than 12 participants per session so that our instructors have time to check on everyone attending. Remember that you are paying for US to watch you work-out, not the other way around!
We run Level 2 classes for people who have a good understanding of the Pilates method and can move easily from one exercise to the next with good technique.
How do I find a good instructor?
It’s a good idea to ask about their professional experience and who they trained with.
Do they ask for an enrolment form from you?
Do they limit the number of people in class?
Do they have mixed ability classes?
Do they correct individually during the class?
Do they explain things well or demonstrate clearly?
The most important thing is that your teacher does not push you beyond your capability.
Pilates has seen a huge increase in popularity over the last few years, and this has led to an increase in teachers and courses. At Northants Pilates we have all trained extensively in Pilates and our training is ongoing as is the case for most professionals these days.
We also have a good range of personalities. During our Feeder Courses, we all take turns to teach, giving you a chance to experience our different approaches.
What should I wear?
You need to wear comfortable exercise clothing that you can move easily in. Mat classes are usually done in bare feet or socks. Please avoid dangly jewellery, jeans, shirts and belts - you can’t bend in them. Men (actaully and Ladies too- If you wear shorts, please wear Lycra running shorts underneath, or you may reveal more than you would prefer to!
What should I bring?
We provide all equipment and mats for class.
Should I warm up prior to class?
It isn’t necessary to warm up, but you could do a light cardio workout for 10 -15 minutes before class. Our Northampton studio is very near Abington Park – a brisk walk around there would be great preparation for class.
How do I add Pilates mat exercise to my fitness regime?
Coming to anything once a week is not going to make any significant changes to the body, but adapting some of the posture and alignment techniques to everyday life makes an enormous difference.
If you do some of the exercises for 10 or 15 minutes each day you will see a significant improvement. You could also buy a DVD to use at home and I have reviewed many different DVDs and books on the DVD and Book review page to help you find the right level for your ability.
It’s a good idea to ask about their professional experience and who they trained with.
Do they ask for an enrolment form from you?
Do they limit the number of people in class?
Do they have mixed ability classes?
Do they correct individually during the class?
Do they explain things well or demonstrate clearly?
The most important thing is that your teacher does not push you beyond your capability.
Pilates has seen a huge increase in popularity over the last few years, and this has led to an increase in teachers and courses. At Northants Pilates we have all trained extensively in Pilates and our training is ongoing as is the case for most professionals these days.
We also have a good range of personalities. During our Feeder Courses, we all take turns to teach, giving you a chance to experience our different approaches.
What should I wear?
You need to wear comfortable exercise clothing that you can move easily in. Mat classes are usually done in bare feet or socks. Please avoid dangly jewellery, jeans, shirts and belts - you can’t bend in them. Men (actaully and Ladies too- If you wear shorts, please wear Lycra running shorts underneath, or you may reveal more than you would prefer to!
What should I bring?
We provide all equipment and mats for class.
Should I warm up prior to class?
It isn’t necessary to warm up, but you could do a light cardio workout for 10 -15 minutes before class. Our Northampton studio is very near Abington Park – a brisk walk around there would be great preparation for class.
How do I add Pilates mat exercise to my fitness regime?
Coming to anything once a week is not going to make any significant changes to the body, but adapting some of the posture and alignment techniques to everyday life makes an enormous difference.
If you do some of the exercises for 10 or 15 minutes each day you will see a significant improvement. You could also buy a DVD to use at home and I have reviewed many different DVDs and books on the DVD and Book review page to help you find the right level for your ability.
