The Pilates approach to improving posture, flexibility, strength, and coordination is through active awareness during exercises that are to be done slowly. This has an effect on many levels. Exercises done slowly allow the deeper muscle system to become active, thereby turning off the “block control”, outer muscle guarding patterns. This leads to less tension, ease of movement, improved breathing, and better range of movement. I have many clients who have been coming regularly for over 15 years, and they all say that pilates keeps them active and able to do all the things they like, such as travelling, bush walking, gardening, dancing, or whatever you love doing. Even as we get older, if you’ve established a habit of a pilates exercise program, you’ll be able to move, maintain vitality, and will have youthful spring in your step, and a healthy attitude in life.
Pilates is an exercise system based on 6 basic principals.
- Concentration
- Control
- Centering
- Precision
- Flowing Movement
- Breathing
At Ocean Beach Pilates Studio you start by learning the exercise technique that gives you an excellent basis for all types of movement systems. Whether it’s Pilates, sport, Yoga, Tai Chi, or any other activity, you’ll be able to apply what you learn here in the studio.
“Around the World” on the Reformer, practiced by Kira Beaton.
The Studio Pilates sessions have no more than 4 clients at a time. An individual program is developed for you after a private assessment which takes into account your body type, structure, overall health condition, age, past injuries, and your aim. You are taught individually within a class where each client works on their unique program. A more clinical approach is taken so that your personal needs are clearly targeted. There is always a qualified *APMA instructor with you supervising the session.
With the Pilates Method we are after developing a subtle awareness of our body during movement, it’s posture, and the tensions occurring during an exercise. Correct breathing with a movement sequence affects the muscles that should be working, and those that should be relaxing.
Positive changes will happen in the body when Pilates is practiced with the intention of deepening mental awareness. This influences motor function and the ability to achieve maximum potential in movement.
The Pilates Barre
Pilates Barre, gets us off the floor, where the fundamentals of the Pilates Method is put to the test in gravity. Using the barre for support, we work on exercises that challenge balance, strength, and core control. With Pilates Barre we use resistance bands, Fit Balls, unstable bases, and our own body weight for coordination and conditioning, with the focus being on good technique and form.
Get your body moving in gravity, test your ability and apply what you have learned in the Pilates Studio.
Some of the key areas of focus:
- Functional upright positions
- Resistance training
- Coordination and proprioception
- Cognitive challenges
- Improve balance and fitness
- New movement experiences
