Pilates Classes at the studio
In my studio I offer personalized classes, both on reformer and on the floor, to meet everyone's needs.
In each class, whatever the level, on the floor or on reformer, we'll work on the range of exercises created by Joseph Pilates and build on the founding pillars of the method: breathing, centering, concentration, control, precision and fluidity.
The machines used in the studio are those originally created by Joseph Pilates: the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Chaise and the Barrel. Each machine offers a different and complementary way of working, even if the fundamentals of the method are always present.
During classes at the studio, we'll use one or more of these machines to focus on the objectives of the day.
PRINCIPLES OF PILATES
Breathing
In Pilates, breathing is the basis for correctly engaging the deep muscles and working the whole body. It involves a lateral inhalation and a long, forced exhalation that will activate these deep muscles.
Centre
The core encompasses the deep, core-stabilizing muscles of the body : pelvic floor, transversus abdominis, obliques, back muscles. You need to learn to engage these muscles through breathing before working with the rest of the body's muscles.
Concentration
In Pilates, the exercises throughout the session are designed to be performed with concentration, and therefore cannot be performed without acquiring more concentration. Mind and body touch during a Pilates routine, they're 'connected'. With a regular practice you become more attentive to your sensations and movements, and gain greater fluidity. It's amazing to be able to feel your muscles more and more intensely!
Precision
A key element of the method, it complements the other principles of concentration, control and fluidity. Precision necessarily goes hand in hand with movement control, to ensure successful and exact execution of the movement.
Flow
Fluidity brings continuity to movement. By nature, movement is continuous and each gesture has a logic. Pilates implies that movements should be fluid, and that transitions between movements should also be fluid. This goes hand in hand with balance, coordination and control, all of which become stronger with practice.
Control
In Pilates, every movement must be controlled : the energy at the base of the movement necessarily starts from the center before accompanying the movement as a whole. Movements are slow at first, so as to be well controlled, then gradually gain in rhythm and fluidity.
“A few well-thought-out exercises, neatly executed in a balanced sequence, will always be worth hours of forced, carelessly done or even exaggerated movements.” Joseph Pilates
