Stretch and Strengthen your Way to Fitness With Pilates Reformer Classes at our dedicated Wilmslow Pilates Studio
Pilates Reformer Classes
The Pilates Reformer is a quintessential piece of Pilates apparatus where a carriage moves against spring resistance. Positioning your body on the carriage (and sometimes off the carriage) you push, pull and hone your body into shape. Our amazing group Pilates Reformer Classes run six days a week from our private boutique studio in Wilmslow Cheshire. These Pilates classes are fantastic for flexibility, posture, toning and contouring you body.
Our Pilates classes are suitable for complete beginners to more advanced Pilates practitioners. Check out our timetable for more information on class levels, teachers and times of classes. All our classes are physiotherapy led so you can be assured your instructor knows what they are doing.
What is pilates?
Pilates is a method designed to strengthen and improve the body that focuses on core strength to improve overall fitness and wellbeing. Pilates is separated from other form of exercises by the use of a spring as resistance. Pilates exercises are performed either on a mat or using spring based equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair which define the Pilates method. With a series of pullys and springs the apparatus can provide an increase in difficulty or make your movements easier. Pilates was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates, who was well ahead of his time in recognising the connection between the mind and the physical body. The Pilates method is influenced by western forms of exercise and saw substantial growth when Pilates immigrated to the US in the 1920s and opened a studio in New York. Pilates taught his method called “contrology”– for several decades and had many students learn his techniques.
Who is pilates for?
Pilates has something to offer people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness, from beginners to elite athletes. The apparatus can be used to provide support for beginners and people with certain medical conditions, as well as resistance for people looking to challenge their body. If you have any health concerns, such as a health condition or an injury, seek advice from us before starting any exercise programme.
What are the health benefits of pilates?
There are many reports on the health benefits of pilates. Regular pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension. For elite athletes, including pilates in your training plan can complement whole-body strength and flexibility, and help reduce the risk of injury by improving awareness of body position in space.
Can pilates help reduce back pain?
There’s some evidence that pilates can provide pain relief to people with non-specific lower back pain. The use of apparatus enables someone with back pain to perform exercises with support.For the exercises to be effective, they need to be tailored to the individual and prescribed by an appropriately qualified health professional. Pilates teachers are generally not medically qualified and cannot diagnose or treat. At beyondphysio our Pilates instructors are qualified to diagnose and treat so you can be rest assured you are getting the best advice if you are attending for a specific medical condition such as low back pain.
Can pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates is classed as a resistance based activity, which can help you maintain a healthy weight. Classes can vary in intensity: they can be gentle, or dynamic and offer a challenging workout.If you want to lose weight, you’re advised to combine pilates with a healthy diet and some aerobic activities, such as indoor cycling.
Can I injure myself doing pilates?
Pilates is a controlled form of exercise, so injuries are rare. At beyondphysio all our instructors are Physiotherapists so we can help you choose a class suited to your level of fitness and ability. If you’re recovering from injury, you’re advised to attend a free pilates discovery session with one of our physiotherapists before starting a class.
What’s the difference between pilates and yoga?
The fundamental difference between the two techniques is that Pilates uses a spring. Pilates is performed both on apparatus such as the reformer and mats, whereas yoga doesn’t require any equipment.
What’s the difference between pilates apparatus and mat work?
Joseph Pilates originally devised more than 500 exercises for his system, of which 34 were mat exercises. Mat work may involve traditional pilates equipment, such as magic circles or hand weights, as well as non-pilates gear, such as stretch bands, gym balls and foam rollers. Pilates with apparatus uses equipment designed by Joseph Pilates, such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector and Ladder Barrel. Mat and apparatus pilates can be adapted to suit different levels of fitness and ability. However, if you cannot lie down on a mat for whatever reason, the apparatus such as the reformer can provide alternative ways to exercise.
Schedule and Book your Pilates classes at our Wilmslow studio below.
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