HealthyU pilates - a description of what pilates is all about for those who don't know and may be interested

1. PILATES CLASSES
COST = $12.50
DURATION= 45mins
WHO = Anyone welcome and you can
just turn up to each class
LOCATION AND TIMES - Below in the
table.
PILATES CLASSES are a gentle, low impact workout that just about anyone can have a go at.
Pilates is great pre, during and post pregnancy to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and
your core muscles to help you keep mobile during and post pregnancy. It will also help your
recovery post pregnancy.
Pilates is also great for those carrying injuries or carrying extra weight and can't do alot of
other weight bearing exercises. It is really good for rehabilitation for most injuries as it
strengthens, stabilises and works on proper alignment of the body. Pilates is all about
working muscles in isolation to get the most from each exercise. It helps you stretch,
strengthen and balance the body.
Pilates will help benefit your breathing, posture, body alignment, balance, can reduce pain,
reduce risk of injury without impact, increase your circulation, increase your core stability
and strength, improve your body awareness, help you sleep better and much more.
Pilates will teach you about your body and how to listen to it properly in order to heal better
from injuries. It also teaches you about correct core engagement and alignment which is
essential for doing every day activities.
Common Questions
Q. What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?
A. Both may appear similar, however yoga focuses on the mind, body and spirit for well-
being and harmony. Pilates focuses on the deep core muscles to support the spine and
achieve good posture. Pilates works to achieve optimal strength and fitness through a mind-
body connection, however unlike yoga there is no spiritual connection. Those who have
practised both will notice different patterns in the breathing.
Yoga also typically uses static exercises or positions in which you will hold for a period of
time while connecting or meditating to your mind whereas Pilates uses fluid movements
based on strengthening core muscles and other muscles of the body in isolation so it's great
for rehabilitation to build strength back without weight bearing.

2. Q. Do I have to be flexible to come to Pilates?
A. No, definitely not. Pilates does help you to become more flexible by doing movements that
helps loosen up tight muscles and relaxes you at the same time but you only ever go to your
point of control. Pilates is more about maintaining natural alignment and strengthening
muscles to allow for movement rather than putting you into positions that test your
flexibility.
Q. I have rolled my ankle and can't put any weight on it can I attend Pilates?
A. Most of the exercises in Pilates are on your back, on your side, on your front or on all
fours. There are a few that you are standing but I can always give you another exercise when
we do this exercise. I have had a client with a foot cast on before who didn't have a problem
at all with the class and Pilates was great to build up the strength in her upper leg again
without having to stand on it to do so.
Q. Can men do Pilates?
A. Of course. There is no gender specific exercises in Pilates and men can benefit greatly from
attending Pilates.
Q. Does Pilates have the same routine each week and can I still go if I improve?
A. Each week is slightly different but using the same techniques and theory. We will choose
different exercises each week to strengthen the core, legs, bum, inner thigh, arms and back
and loosen up the back and shoulders. Each week will be filled with stretches and exercises
to get the most out of it. There are also variations to make things easier or harder so anyone
can do any session.
If you are curious - Come and have a go.