What even is Pilates??

You'd have to be living under a rock to not have heard of Pilates, but you're forgiven if you don't have the faintest idea of what it actually is. To start with, there's mat, reformer, and studio Pilates, and within this there's classical, contemporary, and fitness styles. Plus every instructor puts their own spin on the method, and the things you see on Instagram often have little to do with what goes on in an actual session. No wonder it can be confusing!

With the intention of bringing a bit of clarity to those who are new to the method and who might be contemplating a mat course with me, I'll outline what mat Pilates entails in one of my sessions.

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We'll start standing on the mat, spending a bit of time on breath, mobilising the spine and the shoulders, and bringing some awareness to the feet. From there, most of a Pilates session is spent down on the mat. Keep in mind, there are many ways to adapt each exercise to suit the needs of the indivual.

For example you will:

• Lie on your back for movements to work the glutes, hamstrings and abdominals, and to rotate the spine

• Lie on your side to mobilise the spine in rotation, work the lateral hip, and the waist

• From a sitting position, stretch the spine, work the back, and the abdominals

• On hands and knees we will stretch the back and the hips, work on stability, and strengthen glutes and hamstrings

• Lie on your tummy to work the back of the body, and lengthen the spine

• Use plank and side plank variations to work the core

• At times we'll use props such as a Theraband or small ball for variety and to increase challenge.

Finally we'll finish standing again, and you'll notice such a difference between the beginning and the end of class.

But Pilates is more than the sum of its parts, and more than merely the exercises you do. It's in the how. Repetitions are generally limited to no more than 10. Movements are slow, and performed with control (side note: Pilates was originally called Contrology), with a focus on breath, and flowing movement.

When it all comes together, you're left with a low-impact, full-body workout that leaves you feeling taller, more energised, and excited for the next session!

If you're thinking about giving it a go, join me for the next course. You won't regret it, and you might even become a convert for life. Use the contact form to get in touch if you have any questions. See you on the mat!