What to expect during a pilates session

If you are new to Pilates, then you must start with the basics, regardless of your fitness level.

During a Pilates session, you will be taught an ordered series of exercises either on the Mat or using specially designed equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Barrels and Chairs.

Depending on your needs, a session may be gentle or highly challenging but with no impact on the joints. Modifications to the exercises are possible to suit each individual. These exercises will be taught with limited repetitions with an aim towards perfecting every detail.

Your first few sessions will be focused on posture corrections and establishing proper forms. At this stage, you are unlikely to perspire as if you have done a gym workout. Be patient - the benefits of Pilates will stay with you for a lifetime, so it's important to instil good habits. After a few sessions, you can expect to stand straighter, feel more energized, be stronger and more flexible.

Once you understand the philosophy of Pilates, it can be translated into any format to enhance other sports activities or simply the way you perform every day tasks.

Getting started with pilates

If you have never done Pilates in the form of matwork or on equipment before or if you have had a previous Pilates experience, you should schedule an initial one-to-one session. If you are new to our studio this session is compulsory.

During this initial session, the instructor will assess your posture, movement patterns and work with you to build a tailor made programme specific to your needs. If you have some physical limitations, your instructor can give you an estimation of how Pilates can benefit you. We will discuss our various packages we have to offer and how you can best structure a plan to reach your goals.

One of our highly trained Pilates instructors will take you through your paces with the more Classical Pilates Exercises. Institutions they have trained with are, Polestar Pilates, BASI Pilates, Pilates Foundation, The Pilates Institute and Peak Pilates. We will help you construct your body to strengthen, lengthen, align and tone those essential areas.

If you have sustained an injury and you have been recommended to do Pilates by your medical professional or if you have more rehabilitative needs it is essential to book an initial session with one of our Physiotherapists. Once we have assessed your problem, we can best advise a plan of intervention and communicate with all professionals involved in your care. You could also choose to have sessions that are based on 30 minutes of manual treatment followed by 30 minutes of corrective exercise. Our physiotherapists have trained either with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute or Polestar Pilates.

We can help you rebuild your movement patterns so you can improve your posture, mobility and level of discomfort. Click here to contact our Physio Practice for more information.

Ideally, Pilates should be practiced 2-3 times per week in approximately 1-hour long sessions. Pilates may be practiced on the mat or equipment in a group, duet, or private setting.