FAQS
Your most frequently asked questions about Pilates & Personal Training answered!
WHY SHOULD I DO JOSEPH PILATES?
There are so many health benefits that can be achieved through practising Pilates.
It makes you more aware of the mind and body connection. It Improves posture and flexibility, relieves aches and pains, and focuses on building core strength.
Most importantly, Pilates lets you switch off to have a little time for you!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Pilates involves breathing in and contracting your pelvic floor muscles and your abdominals at the same time.
This can be quite difficult to master and will take time to practice and learn the correct form.
On breathing out you increase the intensity of the contraction as you move your arms and legs.
I HAVE TRIED PILATES BUT DON'T FEEL MUCH HAPPENING...
It takes time and practice for the brain to use the muscles that have stopped working effectively due to injury, childbirth or surgery.
Be patient and practise regularly - you will see and feel improvement in your flexibility, posture and abdominal area over time.
SHOULD I DO PILATES IF I HAVE A BAD BACK?
Yes, Pilates is often recommended by your chiropractor or physio.
It will stretch, lengthen and strengthen tight muscles around the spine whilst rebalancing the weak muscles thus preventing future injury if practised on a regular basis.
Some benefits can be felt almost straight away.
CAN ANYONE ATTEND PILATES?
Yes, everyone of any age and fitness level can join as the exercises are layered to make them easier or more challenging.
WILL PILATES GIVE ME A FLAT TUMMY?
It can certainly help tone and control the muscles in this area and make you more aware of holding these.
Its best combined with a balanced diet and aerobic exercise.
I HAVE RECENTLY HAD A BABY, IS PILATES FOR ME?
Absolutely, Pilates is perfect to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It is also excellent for anyone recovering from a hysterectomy.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE EXERCISING?
As a general rule, you should be active every day, raising your heart rate for at least 30 mins. This can include housework and gardening or even running around after the kids.
Get at least 5000 steps in a day. This can be quite challenging to achieve for some people, with their busy lifestyles and hectic schedules. Lack of regular exercise and a sedentary lifestyle can cause injuries that will prevent you from moving as much as you would like.
CAN HAVING A TRAINER HELP ME ACHIEVE MY FITNESS GOALS?
Absolutely, it can give you the necessary commitment and keep you on track.
Your personal trainer will guide you to help you see how far you are progressing. You'll have a set of interesting and varying workouts that keep you motivated. Having a PT also builds your confidence and knowledge in your training, and most of all allow you to become fitter and healthier.
HOW WILL YOU SET MY PERSONAL TRAINING PLAN?
Making a plan that is individual to your goals is key to you achieving them.
Having the right structure and support in place will help you stay focused and motivated.
Your bespoke training plan will be built based on the S.M.A.R.T goals system:
SPECIFIC - I will make it specific to you so you know what you have to do.
MEASURABLE - so we can see the improvement.
ACHIEVABLE - small steps, leads to bigger steps.
REALISTIC - You can do this, fits in with your schedule.
TIME - 1 month, 6 months, ongoing.
Are you ready for your first Pilates class? Perhaps you'd like to train with me on a 1-2-1 basis?