Pilates FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

There are various ways to get started. You can purchase books, tapes and videos to use in your home or come along to the peaceful surroundings in the Aberdeen Pilates Studio for a group or private matwork class. Pilates is not just a series of exercises, it is a way of life. It will not only change the way you look, but how you think and feel, increasing your understanding of your body, the most precious gift we have.

Once you have a basic sound knowledge of Pilates you should aim to fit in 2-4 sessions a week depending on your reason for practising Pilates, i.e. if it is for rehabilitation, you may practise more often than if it

is for fitness. It is best to practise Pilates once the body has had a chance to warm up, as one is stiffer first thing in the morning thus restricting your range of movement.

Although they are very similar the main difference is that in Yoga you tend to move from one static position to another, whereas in Pilates the aim is to obtain your posture and then challenge the body by moving

limbs.

Most definitely!! Pilates works on increasing your muscle strength in a controlled supported manner, unique to Pilates, and at the same time you are increasing your range of movement, and thus flexibility.

The beauty of the Pilates method is that it lends itself to all levels of physical fitness and to all ages. As classes are choreographed for each individual, the Pilates method can be tough enough for the strong

and gentle for the weak.

Pilates is a balanced, safe, relaxing form of exercise. It combines the focus on suppleness that you find in yoga with strength movements you find in the gym. By correcting and making ourselves aware of our

posture, through Pilates we can strengthen our bodies against future injuries.

It will make you more aware of your body and how you carry yourself, as well as allowing you to tone and strengthen your muscles. Due to its emphasis on breathing, centering, flowing of movement and isolation it also leaves you feeling relaxed and de-stressed, essential in our lives today!

Comfortable, loose clothing, no jeans! No shoes are required although you might want to wear socks.

As with all walks of life there are always people practising who are not qualified. Our advice is to always ask if the person is qualified in their field, as incorrect teaching can result in physical damage. You can check if studios or instructors are certified at www.pilates-institute.co.uk or www.modernpilates.co.uk although some organisations now ask that you pay them a fee to be on their website and that you submit a video of you teaching a class… which is not really a true reflection of their teaching standard or style. Ask to see their

certificates!

The Pilates method can help the nervous system, easing migraine, tension headaches, depression, seasonal affective disorders, and the metabolism. Pilates promotes healthy cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. The muscular skeletal system can be helped by relieving problems such as lumbar/sacral disc problems, knee pain, and pressure on cartilage on joints. Through exercise, the urogenital system can be helped, aiding problems like stress incontinence. High blood pressure can also be reduced by regular controlled exercise.

You can read about Kira Bowie by clicking here.

Kira, you explained and expanded on every query very well showing genuine concern for each participant. Enjoyable and interesting course which I would recommend to anyone.

Contact us:

T. 01224 733018

M. 07752 153169

info@aberdeenpilates.com