What is Pilates?

"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong then you are young."

Joseph Hubertus Pilates - Originator

Often described as "intelligent exercise" Pilates is a holistic discipline, a combination of physical & mental conditioning.

Differing from more traditional exercise, Pilates aims to improve body awareness & develop correct postural alignment. It focuses on trunk stability, the deep core abdominal muscles & correct use of breath.

Recommended by physiotherapists, chiropractors & osteopaths for preventative back care Pilates is a system of exercises, performed slowly with control & precision.

Visualization techniques help to focus the mind, ensuring maximum benefit is achieved. Emphasis is on quality rather than quantity of exercise.

Whether you are an experienced exerciser, active sportsperson, recovering from injury, suffering from backache or a complete novice Pilates can be tailored to suit specific individual needs & will benefit anyone and everyone.

Stomach

Benefits

Strengthen spinal muscles - alleviate back ache
Increase muscular flexibility - reduce tension
Improve joint mobility - aid arthritis sufferers
Increase bone density - help fight osteoporosis
Strengthen pelvic floor - improve stress incontinence & sex life
Improve breathing - aid relaxation & reduce anxiety
Increase general muscular strength & shape - longer leaner look
Strengthen weak abdominal muscles - flatten stomach
Improve co-ordination - develop your sport

Pilates-et-al has developed a logical, straightforward approach to practicing Pilates. Our Exercises are designed to imitate the body's natural movement patterns, thus minimizing unnecessary stresses on associated muscular skeletal structures. Pilates-et-al's philosophy is to work with the clients and their individual differences providing them with an absolute, bespoke, effective Pilates Programme. Clients are encouraged to fully understand the function of each exercise; how & why it works. Sessions are systematic & progressive, enabling informed participants to quickly experience the benefits of Pilates & therefore be self-motivated to practice regularly. Small group classes & private tuition is available in Devon, Dorset & Somerset. Corporate sessions in the workplace are available nationwide.

"In ten sessions you'll feel the difference, in twenty you'll see the difference, in thirty you'll have a new body!"

Joseph Hubertus Pilates

Posture

"..a position the body can assume. The way in which somebody carries his or her body."

Encarta Dictionary: English (U.K.)

Correct posture is fundamental to the health of the human body. Adopting poor postural habits throughout our daily activities will affect the functional performance of our bodies & can result in back ache, joint problems, muscle spasms, headaches & neck pain, to name a few.

Are you now sitting like this?

'If you sit like this..'

'You could avoid this..'

Postural Appraisal

To ensure participants achieve the utmost from Pilates, all clients receive a full Postural Appraisal & Health Screen. This consultative process discusses your health history & will identify any particular postural faults. Acting as a bench mark it enables Pilates-et-al to design a bespoke programme targeting specific issues relevant to the individual; and includes advice on how to integrate Pilates techniques into every day activities.

Group Exercise Classes

Small group work removes the intimidation of large classes, giving participants the confidence to fully engage in sessions & gain maximum benefit. Limited numbers enables individual attention & advice.

Currently we operate regular classes in the East Devon area, near Exeter, Honiton & Feniton. We can also offer bespoke private classes as well as sessions for a one off special event. Make an enquiry - click here.

One to One Tuition

One to one coaching allows bespoke instruction. Sessions are more comprehensive & adapted specifically to meet individual needs without the distraction of other participants. Make an enquiry - click here.