What is Pilates

Pilates is much more than just an exercise regime.  It teaches you how to move and where to move your body from, for example have you ever done tummy crunches and suffered neck pain, with no or little improvement to your abs? Or are you a golfer who suffers from low back pain?  In Pilates an experienced trainer will teach you how to move your body correctly.  Once you move correctly you get those great abs and those workout results that you desire.  You can also expect to reduce a lot of pain by now moving your body correctly – a double benefit.  It is for the latter reason why the Pilates Method continues to be endorsed by physiotherapists, physical therapists, osteopaths, surgeons and GPs.

At Pilates Performance we first look at your joint movement and congruency, then we consider muscle imbalances, your programme is then designed around what your body requires, resulting in a tall lean posture, reduced physical and mental stress, defined abs, arms, legs etc.  A true overall body workout.

What is Fitness Pilates?

• Reformer:

The reformer is a spring based piece of traditional Pilates equipment providing resistance and support for each exercise. Each class is for one hour on the reformer. These classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Your first Reformer class is free.
Where: Studio only.

Jumpboard Reformer:

JumpBoard Reformer Pilates provides a great cardio workout on the reformer without the unnecessary joint impact to boost your metabolism and increase your stength and flexibility.  These classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels but are not recommended if you have problems with your back, knees or ankles. Each class is for one hour.
Where: Studio only.

Classical Mat Pilates:

These are Mat Pilates classes, where we use the classical and required modifications to enable a challenging and safe class.  These classes are levelled from beginners to advanced. These classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Where: Studio and Community venues.

• BootCamp Pilates:

This class style is similar to the Classical Mat Pilates however, we are now going for the burn.  We use a verity of props to ensure results (props are provided).  This is a more energetic class and great for weight loss. These classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Where: Studio and Community venues only.

• Pre-Natal Reformer Pilates:

These classes are available if you are in the second and third trimester of your pregnancy.  It’s a great class to keep you in shape and calm throughout this exciting time.
Where: Studio only.

• Postural Analysis & Fundamentals (PA&F):

This class is a must for anybody doing Pilates (and any type of movement).  Here we assess your posture as exercise can be painful and have little effect if you don’t work the body from a good starting point.  Correcting your posture is often simple and very effective to your exercise results.  We also look at the Pilates fundamentals i.e. how to move the body efficiently and mindfully, how to use our breath to assist us and why we should choose one part of our body to move us rather than another.  This is a fun class and an eye opener to many. These classes are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Where: Studio only.

• Zumba:

• Callanetics:

• Ballet Pilates:

What is Clinical Pilates?

Clinical Pilates is provided at the Studio only, where we have a custom built Clinical Studio.  We have a number of clients who travel considerably to avail of this service, as it is unique to Pilates Performance.  Our goal is to get you moving (in a safe closed chain environment) functionally and pain free within a few sessions and to move you on to group Pilates, improving your quality of life (always taking your limitations into account)).  We will work with your physical therapist, surgeon or GP where necessary.

This service always starts with an initial assessment, followed by private sessions.  Our aim is to then move you on to either group fitness Pilates or a special population group class e.g. Pilates for Parkinson’s, pre/post natal Pilates.

We cater for a wide range of situations such as;

• Undiagnosed/ mechanical pain
• Pre/post surgery
• Joint, muscle and postural issues
• Sciatica
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Pre/post natal (e.g. c. section, Diastasis Recti)
• Parkinson’s
• Stroke

To avail of this service or for more information please contact us or drop into the studio.

Download ‘Reforming the knee‘ article as printed in the Idea Fitness Journal

What is Sport Enhancement & Rehabilitation?

Joseph H. Pilates first clients were male war soldiers.  After the World War he relocated to America where he trained and rehabilitated athletes, boxers, dancers, acrobats and entertainers.  As you can imagine any sportsman/woman requires a great deal from their body.

Today the sports world accepts the advantages of using the Pilates Method to build strength without excess bulk, improve flexibility, agility and economy of motion.  Premier football clubs and professional rugby clubs use Pilates as part of their regular training, some go so far as to make it part of their contract with the club.

Those involved in rotational sports, such as golf or tennis, use Pilates to enable quality of movement as required by their game, movement that is often not part of their daily lives.  Pilates is also used to prevent/ reduce injury, this is important for the professional sportsman/woman to stay in the game or profession.

Pilates Performance provides its sport services (enhancement and rehabilitation) at our bespoke studio only.

To avail of this service or for more information please contact us or drop into the studio.

Take the time to read this article: Golf’s little secret? It’s all in the hips