Clinical Pilates Before starting Clinical Pilates, you will need to do a pre-pilates assessment with Anne. This is the time to discuss your goals, and for us to assess how you move. We will take you through some fundamental Pilates exercises, then design a program tailored to your specific needs. Once the assessment is done, you will then have at least one private class with your Pilates Instructor. This is an opportunity to introduce you to the Pilates environment and ensure you have a good understanding of your program. The number of private classes you do before moving into a small group environment depends on you – chat to Anne during your session to see what would work best for you.
I’ve done Pilates before – do I need to do an assessment before starting Clinical Pilates? Yes, the assessment is the time to discuss your body, it’s needs, your goals and expectations in a private setting, with the full attention of your instructor.
What is pilates?
Pilates is a unique approach to movement and well-being developed in the 1920’s by Joseph Pilates. It was originally coined “Contrology” and blended gymnastics, yoga, boxing and martial arts.
In a Pilates class you can expect to creatively strengthen muscles of the trunk, hips and shoulders; tone arms and legs, increase joint mobility and muscle flexibility, improve posture, balance and muscular endurance. Exercises may be done standing, sitting, kneeling and lying on your front, back or side. Your whole body is taken through multiple planes of movement – rotation, bending forward, back or to the side. By moving with precision and control and slowing down common movement patterns, you will build better movement awareness and improve neural pathways between your brain and muscles.
The unique nature of Pilates is that it is challenging yet gentle, will strengthen as well as lengthen muscles and build stability and mobility where needed. Pilates can ease restrictions, build muscular endurance and efficiency. By inviting your mind to focus inward on the subtleties of your breath, posture and alignment, each class will leave you feeling both invigorated and calm.
How can pilates help me?
Pilates can be of benefit to EVERY BODY! It is done by people from many walks of life – from the elite athlete to the weekend warrior, from pregnant women to desk jockeys, from those needing injury rehab to those “prehabbing” prior to surgery.
The beauty of Pilates is that under the eye of an experienced teacher, you will keep your body balanced, strong, agile, and importantly injury free so it is able to keep doing all the things you love for longer - whether that be riding the hills, running the trails, skiing the mountains or just keeping up with the kids (or grandkids!).
Pilates provides balance to your body and is an extremely effective way to cross train - in particular for those sports that are repetitive in nature (such as cycling, running, swimming and golf). For example the ability to move your legs independently from your torso improves efficiency, reduces fatigue and therefore the chance of injury.
Pilates will strengthen your postural muscles, improve your body’s alignment as well promote joint mobility and muscle length. Pilates encourages you to focus on your breath and movement quality creating a mindful movement practice. This combination of movement and mindfulness makes it perfect for your recovery session!
WILL i get a 6 pack if i do pilates?
Sorry, if it’s a 6-pack you’re after you’ll need to keep looking! However, you will learn things about your body that you never knew, as well as move it in ways you never thought possible! One of Pilates’ strengths is focusing on our deep, stabilising muscles – not just of the abdomen, but also those of the back, shoulders, hips and even the feet! You will find that your abdominal strength does improve after practicing Pilates for some time, but more importantly your body will better balanced and therefore function better.
I have an injury, can i still do pilates?
Yes, although this does depend on the nature of your injury – so please contact me before attending your first session. Some injuries are better managed with Clinical Pilates rather than in Mat or Circuit class, where the equipment provides the support and modifications you need.
I've never done pilates, do you have a beginners class?
I do have classes that are suitable for beginners, and each class is tailored to suit those who attend. If you are unsure, please get in touch and I’ll happily chat to you to ensure you are in the class that best suits you.
what do i need to bring?
Yourself, a towel and a smiling face!
what do i wear?
For hygiene reasons, please wear clean socks to Pilates. I recommend socks with grips on the sole which help grip the mat and equipment. Move Active Pilates socks are available for sale at the studio.
Clothing that isn’t too loose or baggy will help me view your alignment and form during class. Please be mindful of clothing with zippers, buckles, ties, hoods and belts which may damage mats and/or become caught in equipment. If you’re wearing short shorts or tops that gape, watch the um……. well you know, the view!! And, if you've got some fancy pants - bring 'em on because loud leggings make me happy!
how do i pay?
You may either pay through Bright Allied Health reception, transfer directly into my bank account or pay cash.
can i claim on private health insurance?
Some Private Health funds do offer a rebate for Pilates classes – please check with your fund if you’d like to make a claim.
what if i miss a class? What is your cancellation policy?
Clinical Pilates: A minimum of 12hrs must be given for all Clinical Pilates cancellations. Failure to provide this or failure to attend class will result in a cancellation fee of $25.
Expiry date for Pilates Packs: Clinical Pilates packs have an expiry date of 6 months (12 pack) or 3 months (6 pack) from the first class. Any unused credit after this time will not be refunded.
Circuit Pilates Packs have an expiry date of 6 months (10 pack) from the first class.
Mat Pilates: Mat Pilates classes are paid for the term in advance. If a class is missed, you are welcome to do a catch up classes on an alternate day. Unused classes at the end of term are not carried over into the following term.
Which type of pilates is right for me?
I know, the Pilates world can be confusing! Have a read of this blog post I wrote recently about the different types of Pilates on offer at Mountain Pilates.