What is Pilates?
sometimes we look like this in class!
There are loads of images out there of people doing Pilates, but this cat sums it up for me - she is making a shape and it clearly feels great!
Pilates is a method of movement created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s - for a great short summary of his and the method's history, click HERE.
Pilates teachers can be trained in matwork and/or apparatus (I am a matwork teacher).
Classes can contain classical repertoire (exercises) and/or more contemporary practice, but all is guided & shaped by the 6 principles of Pilates: breath, centering, flow, precision, control & concentration (I think of this as focus). My classes are grounded in Pilates, but also influenced by my experience in: yoga, somatic movement practices & movement improvisation; (and MANY years ago I was an aerobics instructor!).
Things that happen in an illume pilates mat class are:
Pilates is a method of movement created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s - for a great short summary of his and the method's history, click HERE.
Pilates teachers can be trained in matwork and/or apparatus (I am a matwork teacher).
Classes can contain classical repertoire (exercises) and/or more contemporary practice, but all is guided & shaped by the 6 principles of Pilates: breath, centering, flow, precision, control & concentration (I think of this as focus). My classes are grounded in Pilates, but also influenced by my experience in: yoga, somatic movement practices & movement improvisation; (and MANY years ago I was an aerobics instructor!).
Things that happen in an illume pilates mat class are:
- warm-the body up through movement - this helps us to be present in our body & minds
- balance exercises
- strengthening work - classical & contemporary Pilates exercises
- breath work with movement
- stretching & releasing
- rest/relaxation
why do Pilates?
There are loads of reasons people practice Pilates - I do it because it makes me feel good. It helps me understand my body more, nurtures my mind-body connection, and helps my body (and myself!) feel alive & aligned. Joseph Pilates, the creator of the Pilates method, called it the Road to Health.
A list of reasons why I think it is GREAT to do Pilates...
strengthen your body • increase flexibility & range of movement • foster greater mind-body connection •
improve our day-to-day functionality through increasing strength & flexibility • help us move with greater ease, less effort (we often work too hard!) & greater awareness • enhance well-being (it feels good!) • help balance • muscles in the body • prevent & recover from injury • help to release stress
A list of reasons why I think it is GREAT to do Pilates...
strengthen your body • increase flexibility & range of movement • foster greater mind-body connection •
improve our day-to-day functionality through increasing strength & flexibility • help us move with greater ease, less effort (we often work too hard!) & greater awareness • enhance well-being (it feels good!) • help balance • muscles in the body • prevent & recover from injury • help to release stress
Is Pilates for me?
I believe everyone can benefit from practicing some form or aspect of Pilates - all genders, younger/older, larger/smaller, flexible/less flexible, non-disabled/disabled - everyone!
We all have different bodies and we want to work with (and celebrate!) OUR bodies and not the idea of someone else's body.
A Pilates class offers you the time & space to focus on yourself, connect with your breath, mobilise and strengthen your body and MOVE!
Complete beginners are welcome, as are those who have practiced for a long time.
illume pilates classes are welcoming (and we like to laugh!) - we are a lovely community of Pilates people, practicing & learning together.
We all have different bodies and we want to work with (and celebrate!) OUR bodies and not the idea of someone else's body.
A Pilates class offers you the time & space to focus on yourself, connect with your breath, mobilise and strengthen your body and MOVE!
Complete beginners are welcome, as are those who have practiced for a long time.
illume pilates classes are welcoming (and we like to laugh!) - we are a lovely community of Pilates people, practicing & learning together.