How often should I do Pilates?

You can do Pilates every day of the week if you wish, and in fact would achieve amazing results by doing so. Joseph Pilates did it every day of his life. In today’s society, we often do not have the time to do Pilates every day, but for maximum results, you should be doing it at least 3 times a week. This may be a combination of studio sessions, DVDs or small equipment sessions. You will still improve even by doing it once a week, but every extra session means you get the results you are after much faster. Joseph Pilates said “after 10 sessions you will feel better, after 20 sessions you will look better and after 30 sessions you will have a whole new body”.
 

What is the difference between matwork and studio sessions?

Studio sessions are performed in small groups on specialised Pilates equipment, and are individually programmed for each participant and their goals, whether it be for general fitness and toning, injury rehab or pregnancy workouts. The equipment adds variety and resistance and enables the whole body to be worked.
 
Mat classes are larger group sessions consisting purely of exercises performed on a mat. They are run like classes and are not individualised like the studio sessions, but still provide a great workout. They are not suitable for injuries or pregnancy.
 

Do I have to be fit or flexible to start Pilates?

No, that is why you are starting Pilates in the first place! Many people believe they have to be fit and strong before they start, when in reality you start off at a very low intensity, and progress as your body allows. We have 80+ year olds and people who have never exercised a day in their lives start everyday! Pilates caters for all levels of fitness, from very low level rehabilitation to elite athletes and dancers, and is the perfect, safe exercise method to kick start your fitness regime.

How is Pilates different to yoga?

Pilates is often likened to yoga, but in fact is very different. Pilates is a non spiritual form of exercise that emphasises flowing movement rather than holding static poses in yoga. Both methods focus on breathing, but in Pilates, the breathing is different to that of yoga, as it focuses on maintaining abdominal muscle contraction. Pilates is more scientifically and anatomically based, and provides safer and more controlled movements and positions. Pilates focuses on specific muscle activation, strength and stability, whilst yoga is more generalised. There is scientific evidence that Pilates helps with injury rehabilitation and back pain.
  

How is the Pilates approach different to traditional weights programs?

Pilates movements are more flowing and controlled, and there is more of a focus on maintaining core stability and perfect posture whilst performing these movements. With Pilates, the resistance is either body weight resisted or spring resisted; the resistance is often lower than in weights, and the repetitions are higher. This means that it strengthens and tones the muscles without producing huge muscle bulk. Pilates works on toning all of the areas of the body which traditional weights programs leave out, including the smaller stabilising muscles and also hard to tone areas such as the sides, buttocks and inner thighs. Pilates exercise can rebalance muscles around the joints, correct previous over-training and balance strength with flexibility.