Pilates FAQs

Pilates is a type of exercise that was developed in the late 20th Century by a German man named Joseph Pilates. It focuses on improving flexibility, posture, body awareness and muscular endurance and strength through the implementation of traditional Pilates techniques.

Matwork Pilates is performed on the ground using your body weight and small equipment to assist in performing pilates movements. It focuses on strengthening your core, increasing your upper and lower body muscle strength and endurance as well as improving your posture and flexibility. Our Matwork classes are small with only 6 people in each class. This allows for close supervision and correction where needed.

Reformer Pilates is a type of Pilates that utilises larger equipment including the traditional reformer. The reformer looks like a bed, it includes a carriage that moves on a track with springs and pulleys attached. The springs act as resistance which allows for a more intense type of workout as more weight can be added as you progress. It also aims to create long, lean and toned muscles as it strengthens your muscles through both the concentric and eccentric phase of muscle contraction. Reformer pilates focuses on improving; posture, core control, muscle coordination, flexibility and muscle endurance.

Pilates is a very versatile form of training and is suitable for almost everyone. It is low impact and can be low in load and is suitable for injury rehab, pre and post surgery rehab, pre and post natal, joint pain and other chronic health conditions. No previous experience required.

Yes, Pilates is a great form of exercise for people with Osteoarthritis. It is low impact and not only focuses on strengthening your muscles but also improving joint mobility and stability. The exercises will also help improve total muscle strength and joint mobility and stability, not just the joint of concern.

As our classes are run by AEPs we can also regress and progress your exercise safely to help manage any OA related pain or flare ups.

Pilates is a great form of training and is safe for women to perform pre and postnatally with your GP or Gynaecologist/Obstetrician clearance. It’s low impact which is great for pregnant women and is safe for you and your baby. Modifications will be provided by your class instructor depending on how far along your pregnancy is.

Firstly our administration team will book you in for an initial consultation with one of our AEPs. This session goes for 45-60 mins and includes a thorough overview of your medical history and exercise history, you will also discuss areas of concern and goals of treatment. The AEP will also assess your core strength and flexibility to determine your starting level for the classes and to ensure the exercises prescribed in the class are safe for you to complete.

You can also expect to trial the reformer and a few basic movements completed in the class to help determine the best positioning and resistance for you whilst performing different movements.

Our classes are run by our accredited exercise physiologists (AEP) who are university qualified. Our AEPs have also done additional training in Pilates to be able to deliver this form of exercise.

Yes, we are currently offering a new type of Pilates class, which includes tailored exercises to your injury and level of recovery. This will be 45-60 mins in duration, you will have an individualised program that you will follow at your own pace. One of our instructors will be available to assist with exercise modifications and any questions you have throughout the class.

You should aim to participate in at least 2-3 reformer classes per week. This will help you achieve your goals and promote regular exercise to improve your health.

Pilates is a great form of exercise and is suitable for children of all ages as well as adults. Pilates exercises aim to improve postural awareness, flexibility, core strength and muscular strength and endurance. This is perfect for children and their gross motor development. It is also recommended for your child if they  have a disability or movement disorder.

Yes, you can bring a friend to trial one of our reformer classes if their is availability. They however will still be required to have a 1:1 initial consultation to discuss health concerns and goals of treatment.