Joseph H. Pilates was born in 1883 in Germany. His father, Heinrich Friedrich Pilates, was a prize-winning gymnast, and his mother worked as a naturopath.
Pilates was a sickly child and suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever, and he dedicated his entire life to improving his physical strength. Pilates came to believe that the “modern” life-style, bad posture, and inefficient breathing lay at the roots of poor health. He devised a series of exercises and training-techniques related to encouraging the use of the mind to control muscles; focusing attention on core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and provide support for the spine; teaching awareness of breath and of alignment of the spine, and strengthening the deep torso and abdominal muscles.
Pilates is a holistic exercise system designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to balance; so much more than building a strong ‘core’ or ‘perfect posture’, although these are clear benefits. Exercises involve the whole body and are performed on spring assisted apparatus or a mat, sometimes using small equipment.
Pilates is effective because it addresses underlying structural imbalances in the body which can create on-going pain and difficulty with movement. The whole body is considered. Muscles are lengthened and strengthened, improving posture and overall fitness whilst retraining dysfunctional movement patterns, thus restoring optimal physical function. It is this holistic approach that sets Pilates apart from many other forms of exercise. Regardless of age, ability or fitness level, Pilates is beneficial for everyone. Osteopaths, physiotherapists and general practitioners (GPs) recommend Pilates as one of the most effective forms of exercise today.
Marianne specialises in teaching small mat-based classes as well as running private 1 to 1 & 1 to 2 sessions in Pembrokeshire. Her Pembrokeshire classes include a combination of exercises and stretching techniques as well as the use of small props and equipment. These are all provided, but are also available for purchase. Before joining a class, Marianne recommends a 1 to 1 session. Private sessions available by appointment.
Pembrokeshire class schedule:
Tuesday mornings @ The Garden Room, Newport Memorial Hall;
Wednesday mornings @ Yr Hen Ysgol, Dinas;
Friday mornings @ Maenclochog Village Hall.
Interested in trying something different?
The Pilates Springboard™ is a great piece of Pilates equipment that provides an invigorating full-body workout. Like a Reformer, the Springboard uses spring resistance but each limb works with its own spring so this adds a significant coordination challenge – great for the brain and the body! It also means working harder to stabilise and balance. Working on the Springboard therefore requires more integrated control and body strength. Marianne offers private Springboard sessions – contact me direct to find out more.
Qualification: CYQ Level 3 – Mat based Pilates