WHAT IS PILATES
“In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, and in 30 you will have a new body.”
Pilates is a fantastic way to move your body. I am so pleased you are joining me on your own pilates journey.
What is Pilates and how do I do it?
A method of exercise that aims to strength your entire body whist improving your flexi-bility and mobility
Mat work pilates is just you, your mat & your moves. You can add small equipment such as the pilates small ball & resistance band
Pilates also uses fun equipment like the reformer & wunda chair
Pilates moves are performed in a controlled way, mainly at a steady pace with your breath
Pilates moves target your core muscles - abdominals & back and also your glutes, inner thighs & hips
Pilates includes a wide range of movements so expect a full body workout each time
Where did Pilates originate from?
Pilates takes it’s name from it’s founder, Joseph Pilates, who devised the pilates method as a new approach to exercise in the early 1900’s. The German born health & fitness enthusiast was way before his time in understanding the importance of movement, sleep & nutrition to help prevent disease & stay well physically & mentally. Joseph Pilates opened his first studio in New York in 1923 and it was an instant hit - especially with New York dancers who found pilates helped injury prevention & recovery.
Why should I do pilates?
Pilates is well know for improving core strength & improving back health, which is true, but the benefits of Pilates go way beyond these two fantastic aspects of health & fitness. Let’s take a look at why you should add Pilates into your weekly fitness regime!
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Regular Pilates practice can benefit you in so any ways. With flowing movements in a repetitive format Pilates is a great way to mobilise stiff & aching joints. Pilates moves you gradually through every joint in your body helping synovial fluid ( joints wd40) increase to lubricate for smoother movements. Shoulders, hips, spine & knees will all feel the benefit. Not only does this feel good it will help with everyday activities too, imagine being able to put your shoes on without a twinge or groan or pain free outing on the golf course!
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Almost every Pilates movement helps increase flexibility of your muscles. Along with improving mobility, staying flexible is essential for staying pain free & enjoying day to day living. Pilates is a series of dynamic stretches that works to lengthen your muscles. Improved flexibility helps the body move through a full range of motion with ease & comfort, vitally important as we age. Increased flexibility can also help prevent injuries. We want our muscles to lengthen & not snap!
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Pilates is a fantastic way to keep your entire body strong, particularly essential at midlife for women. We naturally reduce muscle s we age. After 30, you begin to lose 3% - 5% per decade (Harvard Health), & this can be a more significant loss in menopause for women. Less muscle means greater weakness & less mobility both of which ay increase your risk of falls & fractures. It is never too late rebuild muscle & maintain it. Pilates uses bodyweight moves & a wide range of equipment to improve your muscle strength. Strong muscles are essential for maintaining posture, bone health & to enjoy all your daily activities. Pilates is a fantastic place to start your strong body!
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Many people start Pilates to help improve their back pain & stifness often after an injury or illness.
“ If your soine is stiff at 30, you’re old. If it is flexible at 60, you’re young” Joseph Pilates
Pilates moves help reduce aches & pains as well as helping to build strong abdominal & back muscles. Research shows that a strong ‘centre’ ( back & abdominals) helps to reduce back pain & discomfort. Pilates offer a complete back health plan! Working through a pilates sequence means your whole spine has flexed, extended, moved side to side & rotated! A complete workout which helps improve all aspects of back health & fitness.
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As we age we no longer have the same balance skills as in childhood. Pilates plays an integral role at improving & maintaining balance. Many Pilates moves require balance, from open leg rocker where balance is challenged in a roll to sitting or side kick where balance is needed to stay still on one hand & a knee! With improved balance your brain & body connect which means less trips & falls & less injuries & pain.
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Pilates integrates breath practice & flowing movement which help reduce stress & anxiety by encouraging your body to relax. All the stretches for necks, backs & shoulders also help reduce tension that often builds in these areas, leaving you chilled & reenergised. Pilates takes you away from the pressures of your busy daily lives & allows to take some time for yourself.
Still not convinced? Come & join a class & find out for yourself.
“I started pilates progressions as I wanted a whole body approach for my fitness & really enjoy the classes. There’s always options, so you can do as much as your body will allow. It is a great form of exercise, challenging but with a real sense of achievement after each class.”
Pilates class FAQs
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Pilates classes are generally an hour but 45 min & 30 min classes are popular too. You will work steadily through a range of movements that might include standing, side lying, kneeling & lying on your front & back. Find out more about your first class here.
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Comfy clothes that allow you to move freely such as gym top or t shirt & joggers are great. Bare feet or pilates socks that have a grippy sole are best. Trainers can be worn if that feels more supportive for you.
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You can start your pilates journey with just a mat. If you are joining zoo or online classes you can just use your carpet or rug to begin with. I ask everyone to buy a pilates magic circle (pics below), a pilates ball, resistance band & a pair or hand weights. You can also use anything from the ‘prop swaps’ to start with. If you are joining an ‘in person’ class I have all the equipment you need but most people like to bring their own mat.
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You can practice Pilates anytime with my ‘on demand’ library or visit my timetable here… for more information on my in person Pilates classes & 121 sessions in Sevenoaks.
My ‘on demand’ library has a wide range of pilates classes to chose from as well as yoga, strength training & more. The library is simple to use. Click the link, add your password & you’re in. The classes are dated so can navigate around easily.
Pilates Essentials is a great place to start. All these classes are ‘beginner’ friendly with lots of options for you to feel comfortable & build confidence. Pilates progressions is a more challenging class, often including more advanced pilates moves. As always there are options, so please don’t be put off, give them a go!
The ‘on demand’ library is updated each month, with all the weekly classes & extra short sessions added as well.
You can join me for ‘in person’ pilates classes in Sevenoaks. Chevening Hall near Sevenoaks is a great space with available parking too. Monday morning classes are 920am – 1020am Pilates Essentials. This is a good place to start your Pilates journey. By learning all the foundational pilates moves you will begin to build strength, flexibility & control. Pilates Essentials is a fantastic class fro anyone returning to exercise after injury, illness, postnatally & in you are completely new to Pilates.
Pilates Progressions, Monday’s 1030am – 1130am is a more challenging class for anyone who has been practicing pilates for a while or feels fit & strong through other regular exercise. Pilates Progressions uses small equipment to help build strength & combinations of moves to add complexity for mind & body.
Friday’s Pilates for All 1030am – 1130am is exactly that! There is a place for everyone in this class. This is a great class to set you up for the weekend. Working through some fab Pilates moves to stretch, release tension from your week as well as gaining strength & flexibility. Always a bit of Friday Fun thrown in for good measure!
The Manor Clinic in Sevenoaks is a physiotherapy clinic with two lovely pilates studios. If you would like amore central location I have mat pilates & reformer pilates during the week. Wednesday 9am & 10am reformer pilates sessions are a great way to build strength & flexibility & Thursday 11am matwork pilates gives your whole body a treat!
I look forward to seeing you on the mat or reformer!
How to get started on your Pilates Journey
You can start straight away; book a call with me & we can find the right class for you. I always offer a free trial class for everyone joining for the first time. Your trial class will help you decide if it’s the right fit & I can guarantee you will love it!
You can join me in person at Chevening church hall near Sevenoaks. The hall has lots of available parking & is easy to find. The is spacious & light & has heaters for the chiller days. There are usually no ore than 12 participants to a class so you’ll never feel crowded or lacking space to move.
You can join me at the Manor Clinic in Sevenoaks if you’d like a more central location. The Manor Clinic has a lovely studio space for reformer & matwork Pilates. There is lots a parking too.
If you prefer online classes you can join me on zoom every Monday & Wednesday morning from the comfort of your own home.
My new ‘Pilates Pod’ – garden studio is specifically for 121 or duo (2 people) sessions. These sessions are bespoke, tailormade for you & your specific goals. In my Sevenoaks Pod you can chose reformer Pilates or matwork Pilates sessions or more general fitness sessions. These sessions can be hugely beneficial if you are returning to fitness after a injury or illness or you’d love a kickstart to feeling fit & healthy.
All Pilates venues & class options have all the equipment you need so you just need to bring yourself!
“Since joining Carolyn’s Pilates Class I have been free of backpain (of 20 years duration) and free of pelvic floor related issues.”