With the introduction of two new SPEAR physio-led Pilates classes to the schedule, we asked SPEAR physiotherapist and Pilates instructor, Ashley to tell us what Pilates is, who should be doing a class and why it’s so good!
What is pilates?
Pilates is a low impact form of exercise which concentrates on strengthening the whole body with an emphasis on core strengthening. Our Physio led pilates classes are Mat based, involving exercises using different pieces of equipment to help strengthen the core while working all other muscles. Physio led classes take the traditional Pilates exercises and modify them to make them suitable for everyone, no matter what level you are. This allows us to be flexible and take a more individual approach to classes/exercises and makes us able to include those who have experienced any illness or injury.
Who is pilates good for?
Honestly, everyone. Our pilates classes all run at beginner/intermediate level which makes them suitable for all levels and abilities. We have lots of people who attend from different backgrounds; from recreational athletes, to those who just want to get a bit more flexible and stronger, to footballers, hockey players, those with any postural issues and those referred in from their physiotherapist.
The benefits of Pilates.
Pilates is designed to strengthen the deep abdominal muscles as well as the gluts and lower back muscles, this allows us to move with more control from a stable base. Regular pilates can improve posture, muscle strength, balance and joint mobility as well as helping to relax the body.
Posture
Your body awareness and posture will improve throughout the classes as you start to focus on those weaker muscles and strengthen them you will be able to hold yourself better in all aspects of life. You will start to strengthen both sides of the body to reduce any imbalances you may have side to side.
Flexibility
By having better control of your muscles your joint mobility, flexibility, is likely to improve. Joseph Pilates said “true flexibility can be achieved only when all muscles are uniformly developed”
Strength
As you progress through the weeks you will be able to do more difficult exercises which makes pilates classes ever evolving and allow you to continually challenge the body, the body will adapt to the exercises and your body conditioning will improve.
Balance
Balance is key for all functional movement, it is part of everything we do. Within the class we will challenge your balance in different ways in standing and in lying. This helps us improve co-ordination, joint stability and long term health, reducing the risk of falls and possible fractures.
SPEAR Physio-led Pilates classes
At SPEAR we have 10 classes a week running, including 2 new ones. These are as follows:
Aberdeen Sports Village
- Tuesday 10am
- Wednesday 7pm
- Thursday 5.45pm and 8pm
Westhill
- Monday 9.30am, 10.30am and 6pm (NEW)
- Wednesday 9.30am (NEW)
- Thursday 6pm and 7pm
These run in 8 week blocks and cost £96 for the block. We keep our class sizes small so the instructors can come round and check you are doing the exercises correctly, and correct anything that you may not be doing quite right which ensures you are doing everything safely and getting the most from your class.
Our instructors are all APPI trained and do regular in service training with each other to keep our class ideas interesting and fresh. The team is growing and we now have Ashley, Siobhan, Fiona, Steph and Leah teaching for us.
All equipment is provided within our classes, we just suggest you bring a towel, some water and wear comfortable clothing.
