What is Pilates?

Pilates is a physical training method named after its inventor Joseph Pilates which makes you stronger,
more flexible and coordinated so that you are in control of your body rather than at its mercy. 

Why should I do Pilates?

Our genetics, background, lifestyle and occupation all have a huge effect on how our bodies look and feel. Pilates designed his method as an antidote to modern urban life which teaches people how to use their bodies well. The Pilates body feels and looks younger as it is strong and flexible

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I Have a Bad Back, Will Pilates Help? Can I do a Mat Class With an Injury?

According to research published in the British Medical Journal in 2000, 50% of adults suffer from back pain in any given year and 80% have had it at some time. Exercise is good for bad backs and Pilates, especially when we can customize the training in private sessions, can do a huge amount to strengthen and stretch your core muscles as well as even out imbalances and postural weaknesses which often are the root of pain. 

If you are coming new to Pilates with a back problem or injury and have your doctor’s permission, we recommend that you take a series of one-to-one sessions before taking group mat classes. This enables us to assess and address your individual needs so that you benefit from your training.

How is Kinetic Pilates Different From What They Have in the Gym?

At Kinetic Pilates we teach the traditional method using the
apparatus that Pilates designed. All our teachers are certified
through Romana’s Pilates, one of the oldest and most respected teacher training programs in the world, which demands from teachers a minimum of 700 hours study and 3 practical and 4 written exams. 

Our goal is to reprogram how you move, realign and balance your body and build a very solid base for more advanced work rather than just make your heart rate go up. Much smaller numbers in group classes enable us to adapt more to the individual and keep a close eye on what everyone is doing.

What is the Best Way to Study Pilates?

You will benefit from one session a week, you will notice a real difference from two sessions a week, and the ideal is three times a week.

Working in privates or semi-private duets will help your body change faster than only doing mat classes as we can adapt the workout much more for your personal needs and you can progress at your own rate. Many people find a combination of privates and mat classes works best for them.

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Should I do Pilates If I'm Pregnant?

If you have never done pilates before, pregnancy is not the best
time to start on a new exercise program. Your body is going to be going through enough as it is, you don’t need to make any more demands on it. If you already do Pilates you can keep training, under guidance, and many people keep going until very late in their third trimester. We can guide you through how you need to adapt your Pilates. 

Pilates is fantastic for post pregnancy and for young mothers and after childbirth is an ideal time to start or start again. Contact us we will be happy to design a programme for you. Babies are welcome and if you book a private session it is possible to bring your baby with you at certain times during the day.

Will I Lose Weight If I Do Pilates?

You might do, or you might gain weight. It depends on what your body was like before. 

If you practice Pilates regularly your muscles will get stronger and bigger and so your actual weight might even increase. However, you will probably lose a couple of inches off your waist as you progress and your postural muscles become firmer. 

People often feel and look taller as they progress. You may also find other positive changes in your appearance and need to have clothes taken in. You will not become bulky from doing pilates, if that is a concern. 

To begin with Pilates is not cardio vascular exercise, but as you progress to the intermediate level your training will get more and more aerobic. At the advanced level Pilates is as testing a workout as you can imagine, which has a strong aerobic and anaerobic component. 

If your main goal is weight loss your first priority is to make sure your diet is right and it might be worth doing some additional cardio exercise (walking is ideal) if you are taking up Pilates as a beginner as we do not want to rush the foundation stage just to make you sweat more