Pilates
What is Pilates?
 Pilates is a unique form of exercise combining smooth, flowing movements which serve to strengthen the ‘core muscles’ that stabilise and support the spine, to realign the body and to correct postural problems.
It brings together mind and body, focusing strongly on total concentration, balance, precision and breathing. It seeks to deliver a sense of relaxation and well-being, at the same time as gently toning and strengthening body and improving posture.
Developed by Joseph H Pilates in the early twentieth century,Pilates is essentially an educational exercise programme. This is not a big physical work out, but a gentle learning of techniques which will slowly become incorporated into daily life.
Our Pilates programmes
We deliver Pilates sessions on-site.
All our Pilates classes are
- made up of a preparation of the body, mobility exercises, moving onto mat based Pilates exercises, concluding with a relaxation session.
- offered on a class basis only
- instructed by a fully qualified practitioner
- scheduled as 45 minute sessions
- bookable in advance
- bookable on an ad hoc basis, however classes are arranged as a course of 6 weekly sessions and participants who are able to attend regularly will enjoy the most benefit
- suitable for all ages and fitness levels, although occasionally participants may find mastering the breathing techniques involved in Pilates a little challenging.
- available on a taster session basis
- available to employees on an off-site basis at a discounted rate (subject to employer support where the employer has a programme of on-site massage sessions through UK Healthzone in place)
Personal preparation
As with all our classes and sessions, we request that all attendees complete our brief health questionnaire and take the opportunity to highlight and discuss any concerns with the practitioner in confidence before commencing any therapies. All records are held by UK Healthzone in strictest confidence and this personal health information is not made available to the employer.
We suggest that employees bring loose or comfortable clothing to wear for this activity. We tend to ask employees simply to bring themselves and an open mind.
Site requirements
For the comfort and privacy of your employees, we prefer to run this programme in a separate room wherever possible. We believe this provides the best results, but are always happy to discuss alternative options.
Evaluation
We endeavour to tailor our Pilates sessions to the needs of your employees attending them. However, we are always aware that our service to them is intrinsically linked to the needs of your organisation. We gather valuable observations about our services and their benefits through direct employee feedback. This helps us to maintain and develop the wellbeing programmes in which your organisation chooses to invest.
The 6 Principles of Pilates
Click the principles below to view information about each one.
Concentration
The art of being able to concentrate and block out all other thoughts. Be able to focus fully on each movement, with one movement flowing into the next bringing mind and body together.
Breath
The way one breathes in Pilates is very important because of the work on the deep abdominal muscles. The focus of the breathing is on the rib area. This is called Lateral Thoracic Breathing.
Centering
Pilates engenders the belief that all movement comes from a strong centre or ‘Core’. Strengthening this ‘power house’ of core muscles is what Pilates is about. Every exercise comes from this ‘power house’, controlled by the contraction of the deep abdominal muscles made up of the Transversus Abdominis, Lumbar Multifidus and Pelvic Floor muscles.
Relaxation
Learn how to focus your mind on how your body feels as you begin to exercise. Recognise any areas of tension and learn to release stress, relax through the body and allow it to move in a natural flowing way with ease and fluidity.
Quality
Correct alignment of the body is crucial while exercising. The positioning of the body and mastering the techniques within Pilates is the key to quality execution of the movements.
Flowing Movement
Pilates exercise unfolds in a continuous flowing way. Movement is slow and controlled ,working through the concentric and eccentric phase resulting in a balanced and functional training programme ?????
Awareness
Everybody is unique and each exercise will challenge a person in a different way. Learn about your own body’s strengths and weaknesses. Win awareness as you develop control and effective execution of the movement.
Stamina
Repetition and frequency increases skill level. The activity itself strengthens the body. Regular Pilates exercise prepares puts your body in a stronger and better position for all the activity and adventures that life brings.
Pilates
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a unique form of exercise combining smooth, flowing movements which serve to strengthen the ‘core muscles’ that stabilise and support the spine, to realign the body and to correct postural problems.
It brings together mind and body, focusing strongly on total concentration, balance, precision and breathing. It seeks to deliver a sense of relaxation and well-being, at the same time as gently toning and strengthening body and improving posture.
Developed by Joseph H Pilates in the early twentieth century,Pilates is essentially an educational exercise programme. This is not a big physical work out, but a gentle learning of techniques which will slowly become incorporated into daily life.
Our Pilates programmes
We deliver Pilates sessions on-site.
All our Pilates classes are
-
made up of a preparation of the body, mobility exercises, moving onto mat based Pilates exercises, concluding with a relaxation session.
-
offered on a class basis only
-
instructed by a fully qualified practitioner
-
scheduled as 45 minute sessions
-
bookable in advance
-
bookable on an ad hoc basis, however classes are arranged as a course of 6 weekly sessions and participants who are able to attend regularly will enjoy the most benefit
-
suitable for all ages and fitness levels, although occasionally participants may find mastering the breathing techniques involved in Pilates a little challenging.
-
available on a taster session basis
-
available to employees on an off-site basis at a discounted rate (subject to employer support where the employer has a programme of on-site massage sessions through UK Healthzone in place)
Personal preparation
As with all our classes and sessions, we request that all attendees complete our brief health questionnaire and take the opportunity to highlight and discuss any concerns with the practitioner in confidence before commencing any therapies. All records are held by
UK Healthzone in strictest confidence and this personal health information is not made available to the employer.
We suggest that employees bring loose or comfortable clothing to wear for this activity. We tend to ask employees simply to bring themselves and an open mind.
Site requirements
For the comfort and privacy of your employees, we prefer to run this programme in a separate room wherever possible. We believe this provides the best results, but are always happy to discuss alternative options.
Evaluation
We endeavour to tailor our Pilates sessions to the needs of your employees attending them. However, we are always aware that our service to them is intrinsically linked to the needs of your organisation. We gather valuable observations about our services and their benefits through direct employee feedback. This helps us to maintain and develop the wellbeing programmes in which your organisation chooses to invest.
Call us now on 01473 287002 to discuss your organisation’s requirements, and arrange an on-site taster session.
----------------------------
Fact box Pilates
The 6 Principles of Pilates
Concentration
The art of being able to concentrate and block out all other thoughts. Be able to focus fully on each movement, with one movement flowing into the next bringing mind and body together.
Breath
The way one breathes in Pilates is very important because of the work on the deep abdominal muscles. The focus of the breathing is on the rib area. This is called Lateral Thoracic Breathing.
Centering
Pilates engenders the belief that all movement comes from a strong centre or ‘Core’. Strengthening this ‘power house’ of core muscles is what Pilates is about. Every exercise comes from this ‘power house’, controlled by the contraction of the deep abdominal muscles made up of the Transversus Abdominis, Lumbar Multifidus and Pelvic Floor muscles.
Relaxation
Learn how to focus your mind on how your body feels as you begin to exercise. Recognise any areas of tension and learn to release stress, relax through the body and allow it to move in a natural flowing way with ease and fluidity.
Quality
Correct alignment of the body is crucial while exercising. The positioning of the body and mastering the techniques within Pilates is the key to quality execution of the movements.
Flowing Movement
Pilates exercise unfolds in a continuous flowing way. Movement is slow and controlled ,working through the concentric and eccentric phase resulting in a balanced and functional training programme ?????
Awareness
Everybody is unique and each exercise will challenge a person in a different way. Learn about your own body’s strengths and weaknesses. Win awareness as you develop control and effective execution of the movement.
Stamina
Repetition and frequency increases skill level. The activity itself strengthens the body. Regular Pilates exercise prepares puts your body in a stronger and better position for all the activity and adventures that life brings.
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