Will it give me a real workout?
Is it relaxing?
Despite the appearance of Pilates as an easy and relaxing exercise, it is actually extremely challenging.
It utilises deep core muscles that many people have not used before. Pilates is also very focused and specific and must be performed with precision. Bad habits formed over the years can result in the body moving incorrectly. When performing Pilates, these habits are corrected through re-education and movement repetition. This is gradually incorporated into daily subconscious movement.
Although it is challenging, it is a calming and energising form of excercise.

How many repetitions should I do?
Generally in Pilates the exercises are repeated between 5 and 10 times based on the principle that the more complex the move, the fewer repetitions.

While this may seem a small number, the Principle of Pilates is that each movement is done with such precision, it utilises and recruits the muscles to their full capacity. Commonly during exercise, if muscles are tired, other muscles will take over, loosing the impact of the exercise on the desired muscle. These muscles are often the larger superficial muscles. Pilates works the muscles that are supposed to being doing the job!!

Pattern of exercises in Pilates
In Pilates, it is important to firstly release tension within the muscle so we begin by stretching the tight overactive muscle. Once the muscle is stretched, strengthening excercises are used.

It is important not to begin to strengthen the muscle too soon as the body will cheat and again use the overactive muscle.

How do I breathe correctly in Pilates?
Many people do not breathe correctly. By not breathing properly, our lungs are left with contaminated air which provides a breeding ground for germs to multiply. Joseph Pilates said 'squeeze every atom of air from your lungs until they are almost as free of air as a vacuum.'
"Rolling and Unrolling Vertebrae by Vertebrae" will be heard very often in Pilates Studios. This concept cleanses the lungs by expelling the impure air and forcing in the pure air.

There are so many things to remember all at once!
It is important to do the exercises exactly the way they are meant to be done as each tiny detail, although may seem insignificant, have a vital benefit.

Pilates for men
The New Zealand All Blacks, the professional Footballers Association, Aussie Rugby League Clubs and the English Rugby Team - these professionals all do Pilates.

It is used for injury recovery and as part of their fitness programmes as Pilates helps to adjust the imbalance in men's bodies which prevents injury. It creates more power and fluidity in their movements as they use the whole body to perform the movement.

When developing Pilates, Joseph used methods that he had practiced in, such as boxing, weight training, circus training, marshal arts and self defence which continue to be widely practiced by men.

Pilates concentrates on the power house, a phrase often used in marshal arts. This is the core at the centre of every movement made. Benefits include improved accuracy, increased flexibility, range of motion, stamina and better posture.

Facts about the spine
Your spine determines how old you are. A stiff back slows you down and affects your day to day life. A healthy spine does not interfere with any activity. A baby's spine is flat. Day to day life changes the angles and curvature of the spine, the body becomes off balance and the muscles are over used and under used. Unrolling and rolling of the spine eventually restores the spine to this flat back we are born with which gives us flexibility.