PILATES WITH CLAIRE
Pilates is a system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Pilates said that the inspiration for his method came to him during World War One, while he was being held at the Knockaloe internment camp on the Isle of Man. He developed his method there for four years, working on his fellow internees who all managed to stay healthy during the Spaish Flu epidemic. Joseph Pilates accompanied his method with a variety of equipment, for which he used the term “apparatus”.
Each apparatus was designed to help accelerate the process of stretching, strengthening, body alignment and increased core strength started by the mat work. The best-known and most popular apparatus today, the Reformer, was originally called the Universal Reformer, aptly named for “universally reforming the body”. Claire’s Pilates Studio has a dedicated Reformer studio and well as a Mat Work and one to one studio.
What is Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates is done using the Pilates reformer machine which was invented by Joseph Pilates. The springs add resistance which means it can tone every part of the body. When a celebrity says they do Pilates you can bet it’s on a Reformer!
Reformer Pilates is great for rehab purposes too as it allows you to exercise in a horizontal plane of motion and not be vertically loaded and weight bearing through their legs. For example if a client has had knee surgery or a knee injury, this horizontal plane enables you to strengthen the muscles of the leg through a larger range of motion using a lighter resistance than their body weight, speeding up their recovery through controlled movement.
The Reformer can look a little scary at first! Start with a Beginner Reformer class, no matter your fitness level, and you’ll realise that it is the most versatile and effective piece of exercise equipment ever made…plus it’s great fun! Book onto a Reformer class today!
What is Barre Pilates Method?
In 2011 Claire Created The Barre Pilates Method.
Using the principles of Pilates and applying mindful, effective movement, she created a workout anyone can try, without any experience of Ballet, but still get the strengthening element of dance, combined with the postural and core emphasis of Pilates.
The class is low impact and emphasises lower body strength, which makes it a great pelvic floor friendly workout! The class ends with a mat section to target upper body and core, making it a total body toner! Book onto a Barre class today!
What is Mat Pilates?
Joseph Pilates wrote his book “Return to Life with Contrology” which outlined 34 mat work exercise for people to do at home. Mat work was born and the fantastic thing about it is you can do it anywhere!
It’s a great place to learn the basic principles of Pilates without the distraction of equipment. Claire’s Pilates studio runs Mat classes as well as Pilates Bums, Legs, Tums, a more challenging class to tighten and tone for those who are injury free! Book onto a Mat class today!
One to One Pilates
I have a limited number of one to one slots available. One to one is great if you have any injuries or concerns or are returning from a long period of inactivity. A postural analysis starts the process and your first session highlights any imbalances for you to work on.
Contact me for more information or to book your Introductory Package.