The name Pilates comes from the founder of the method Joseph Pilates. Born in Germany in1880 he was influenced by yoga, gymnastics, boxing, martial arts and Eastern and Western Philosophies and his methods were used primarily by dancers. Pilates guiding philosophy was that to achieve good health and happiness the body and mind must be addressed together. Unfortunately many of the original Pilates exercises can cause damage to a weak or damaged muscular structure and a more clinical approach is required.
Modern Pilates is a contemporary and updated approach to Pilates exercise. The programme has been designed by a leader in the fitness industry, Cherry Baker and physiotherapists Chris Norris and Jenny Heron. Modern Pilates is used extensively in the rehabilitation of back injury and muscle imbalance and its trainers are physiotherapists and/ or exercise specialists.
This programme of exercise has been featured in Health and Fitness, Zest Magazines, Sky TV and has been represented at many of the UK’s major health and fitness conventions.
How Will I Benefit from Modern Pilates?
Modern Pilates is a physiotherapist approved approach to Pilates that will realign, condition and tone your body. Its methods are very different from many traditional types of exercise. Modern Pilates is also a relaxing and individual programme which works both your body & mind, relieving stress and can help improve sleep patterns and tension, specifically in the neck and shoulders.
The aim is to work muscles from the inside out, creating a stronger flatter mid section, improved posture, muscle balance, realigning the spine and improving both the function and appearance of your body.
Who is Modern Pilates For?
Modern Pilates is for anyone and everyone. Modern Pilates is recommended for clients recovering from back problems, anyone with weak abdominals (core stability) for whatever reason eg. pregnancy, obesity and anyone with stress incontinence and/ or poor posture.
Modern Pilates is an ideal form of rehabilitation. There are specialist classes for the older adult and for those with special needs such as MS, hip, knee replacements and arthritis (please see timetable). Modern Pilates is also an ideal additional type of exercise for runners, advanced fitness enthusiasts and dancers who will benefit from increased flexibility and core stability.
Modern Pilates classes are suitable for pre and post natal mums. As long as mum and baby are healthy there will be a class suitable for all stages of your pregnancy. Just ask for the class that would be most suitable for you. Post natally Modern PIlates will help increase function and repair of the pelvic floor along with suitable exercises for the mid section. Tension and muscle imbalance can occur from both breast and bottle-feeding; as it is easy to adapt poor posture when new mothers are stressed and tired. Modern Pilates will not only exercise all the right muscles but will give mum that time out she deserves. (please see timetable).
Why Choose Modern Pilates?
Modern Pilates is a training programme that is taught only by physiotherapists and advanced exercise teachers. Modern Pilates training programmes are only offered to physiotherapists, sports therapists and experienced and qualified exercise teachers and personal trainers. Modern Pilates teachers have to pass extensive theory exams, present case studies and plan both progressive and remedial programmes.The final assessment is based around hours of observed teaching and a final practical assessment.
It is worth noting that there are many types of Pilates classes around, some Pilates based classes are run by teachers who have only taken a few hours training. Whilst these classes may be taught by excellent teachers they are not ideal if you have more specialist needs, recovering from injury or want a more personal session.
At Underground Fitness you will find Modern Pilates delivered in small groups. Class numbers are limited to 12 beginners and 15 intermediate clients. Classes run on a course basis only where upon clients are screened and given individual advice and attention throughout the class. We also offer private group personal training sessions with between three and six clients and personal training on a one-to-one basis is available upon request.
What to expect in a Pilates Class
These are things you should expect in any Pilates class. If you currently do Pilates and you don't see the following then you need to ask yourself if it is the
right class for you.
* As a new client you should be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding health, well-being and injury.
* Classes with 12 or fewer participants are more appropriate for beginners.
* The teacher should show individual attention. Expect to be individually helped or corrected. A hands on approach is normal in Modern PIlates if verbal correction isn't working in order that you get the correct alignment.
* The teacher should constantly be observing and communicating with both the group and individual clients.
* Classes are better when they run on a course basis to allow teachers to get to know clients individually and prescribe specific exercises or adaptations.
* Classes should use a variety of teaching aids, full length mats, blocks, bands and various support methods for individual use. Expect to see pillows, lumbar rolls and other equipment.
* Teachers should be able to offer adaptations and should have equipment such as blocks and supports to enable them to do so.
Many of Joseph Pilates original exercises are very unsuitable for the general public. Modern Pilates combines the best principles of Pilates with sports science and research from the 21st Century. Simply that!
Modern Pilates is a modern contemporary approach to an old exercise discipline.