Our Pilates sessions are tailored to help two groups of people. Firstly those who want to improve their posture and muscle control, and secondly, those who have been recommended to try Pilates by one of our therapists to improve mobility and body control.
We are especially proud of the way that we’ve been able to develop our team approach to include Pilates. If you’ve seen one of our Osteopaths or Physiotherapists and you decide to begin taking Pilates classes, your instructor will be provided with guidelines based around your complaint and the treatment you’ve received. This will ensure the pilates instructors are up-to-date on what would personally benefit you the most, as well as enabling them to discuss anything that might be best avoided in your case and at what rate they should be looking to progress you. This, of course, makes it both safer and more effective than might otherwise be the case!
What is pilates?
Pilates is a body conditioning method that aims to build strength from the inside out to increase flexibility and improve posture. Created by German-born Joseph Pilates over 100 years ago it works on deep, postural muscles to keep the body balanced and provide good spinal support. In particular it teaches awareness of breathing, alignment of the spine and muscle control – all of which are very important in helping to alleviate and prevent back pain.
How could pilates help me?
Pilates is suitable for all fitness levels and all ages, helping to:
- Increase strength and flexibility
- Encourage better posture
- Improve body awareness
- Teach good movement skills
- Relieve stress
“Claire tailored exercises to suit a problem back and used equipment to vary the time and make it more fun. Thanks Claire”
L.P
“Very useful. Finally found something that helps my back. Pilates combined with Osteopathy really helps.”
P.G
Our sessions
Initial one to one session
This includes a detailed assessment of your personal needs to see how best Pilates can benefit you. During this first session you’ll also learn the basics of Pilates and how to target your deep postural muscles and correct common muscle imbalances.
Follow-up sessions
Depending on your assessment 30 minute or 1 hour sessions can be arranged to your individual requirements and aims. We usually recommend a follow-up session at least once a month so that you don’t lose your technique and remain motivated.
Group Classes (course of six sessions)
Group Pilates classes are available at our Leighton Buzzard clinic and are limited to just eight people. You need to attend an initial one-to-one session before you can join the group class. Group classes are booked and paid for six sessions at a time.
During these six sessions you’ll be working intensely on rebalancing muscle groups to help you achieve a better posture. This in turn will allow your body to function more efficiently at the same time as increasing your flexibility, stamina and co-ordination.
Pilates for two
These are ideal for husband and wife, mother and daughter or two friends who would like to attend a more private Pilates session. What’s more it can substantially reduce the cost compared to individual sessions and is a great way to keep motivated together!
Reformer
The Pilates Reformer is a specially designed piece of equipment that allows for over 200 exercises designed to tone, strengthen and lengthen muscles. Reformer sessions are different from traditional mat Pilates because they work the whole body, taking the dynamic workout to a whole new level. Great for all fitness levels from beginners to athletes.
The reformer may be used as part of your one-to-one sessions.