What is Pilates

Pronounced  puh-lah-teez, and named after the man who invented it in the early 20th century, Pilates is a form of exercise that helps strengthen the body. It’s focus is on the core muscles and giving the body a stable base to move from.

It develops strength, builds flexibility and improves the control of movement in the body. It uses postural alignment to ensure that movement comes from the right part of the body. It also uses breathing and works on improving balance and co-ordination. All of these are elements of movement that we need to maintain to help in everyday life.

Pilates uses a set of 8 key principles to connect the mind and body together— centring, concentration, control,  precision, flowing movement, isolation, routine and breath. Joseph Pilates believed that physical and mental health were connected and this is reflected in the exercises he developed and taught to his students.

Is it for me?

The short answer is YES!
Pilates is fully adaptable, so is suitable for most people as modifications can be made to the exercises. It can be done on a one-to-one basis, using equipment, or in a mat-based class. Stretch Balance Pilates offers mat-based classes at mixed level ability, and occassionally uses the small props to add an extra challenge and interest to the class.

Have a look at some testimonials if you want to see more evidence.

There are many benefits to including Pilates in your fitness routine or everyday life, and everyone who practises Pilates gets different things from it. Several that are common are:

  •  It improves posture and develops core strength

  •  It helps reduce stress

  •  It improves mobility, co-ordination and balance

  •  It improves muscle strength and tone.

  •  It increases body and movement awareness.

  •  It can help improve bone density

Pilates is also great as part of a bigger programme of exercise.

Testimonials

  • Emma is lovely and adapts or helps with the exercises if you cannot do them for whatever reasons, there is always a level of exercise for everyone, the people in class are lovely and you have any equipment needed provided for you. I always feel better on leaving than I did on arrival and miss the class terribly if I cannot attend.

    Anne

  • Emma is a friendly teacher who encourages a welcoming class and updates the class regularly with new routines and equipment

    Victoria

  • Pilates is a great way of improving flexibility particularly if you're like me and getting older.  I also find it prevents flare-ups of osteoarthritis and if that does happen, I have some gentle stretching exercises to help calm it down.  Emma is very good at tailoring moves to suit any issues you may have and also to make the moves more challenging for those who want to progress from beginners' moves

    Debbie

  • Emma lives and breathes Pilates and that's what makes her a fantastic teacher. What I love most is that she gives every member her full attention and tailors movements to the right level of challenge for them. It's never about age or ability, but what's right for you. Classes are great to way to calm the mind and get a workout at the same time.

    Monica

  • I have been coming along to Emma’s classes for several years now, not only is she an excellent instructor, but also, very patient, and never appears to tire from having to correct pupils, especially, those who don’t always know their left from their right.  In addition, on a couple of occasions I have attended classes with a minor injury and Emma has always offered an alternative posture to enable me to still complete the exercise. – I would not hesitate in 100% recommending any of Emma’s classes to you.”

    Brenda

  • I’ve been going to Emma’s classes for a while now and I love them. The sessions are thoughtfully designed, always challenging yet totally approachable. She is great at helping everyone feel comfortable while still pushing us to get better. You can tell she really cares and knows her stuff. I always leave feeling stronger, more relaxed, and in a better mood. Highly recommend!”

    Vivian