Performance Pilates 2.21

Pilates - What’s the hype about?
Here’s all the in’s & out’s about Pilates that you need to know before declining it’s not for you.
We have all experienced the pain & utter discomfort from a muscular injury or strain in some part of your life, Right?
If you answered yes to my question above, you are likely to benefit from Pilates and wipe the pain and frustration permanently away from your seizing neck & shoulder for good.
Let’s start with the basics: What is pilates?
It’s an exercise concept designed to strengthen you from your deep underlying (and sometime dormant) core muscles. It can be practiced in slow or fast pace, in various body positions, with your own body weight or with props, for the young or elderly, for the mommies to be and even for the toughest of toughest guys. But one thing remains the same, when practising Pilates it is executed with the utmost Precision and Control. The latter explains why this exercise method is so effective with proper muscle memory and yields injuries in their tracks.
Performance Pilates believes in a holistic approach toward a healthy lifestyle and would like to showcase that we cater for different needs
What happens during a Pilates class? Qualified instructors from Performance Pilates will guide your through a selection of exercise and stretch to help you achieve your goal. They take the time to correct your exercise form ensuring proper execution. A group class will typically focus on core work with posture corrections. Expect around 4-8 people in the group class with you. An individual session will be tailored for the individuals problem areas. When attending a Private class you can expect to experience the wonders of the Pilates machine called The Universal Reformer. (Prentjies) The reformer pays attention to strength and flexibility through fusion of body weight with resistance springs.
“Getting Down with the lingo”
Lean Machine: The Universal Reformer: The reformer is a piece of resistance exercise equipment designed by Joseph Pilates. It consists of a platform that moves back and forth along a carriage. Resistance is provided by the exerciser's body weight and by springs attached to the carriage and platform. Experience a full body integration workout. Ditch the treadmill and gym machines for this lean muscle building Pilates machine.
Get on your high horse: Equestrian Pilates: Horse riding requires muscular endurance, spinal stability and mobility dependant on the phase of gait of the horse, control and co-ordination of muscular activation and ultimately awareness of the rider’s body and the rider’s influence on the horse’s movement. Equestrian Pilates address these requirements in full. Take time off from cold outdoor arenas and come join in on Pilates classes to assist you in becoming a better rider.
Fit Mamma: Pre and Post Natal Pilates: Maintaining a regular pilates routine throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best. It can also improve your posture and decrease some common discomforts like backaches and fatigue. There is evidence that it may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), relieve stress, and build more stamina needed for labor and delivery. Skip the gym if you’re unsure what’s safe for you and babba and rather join in on a pre natal class.
Fab Fit Kids: Kiddies Pilates: Children need motoric development in their daily living activities. So traditionally kids are supposed to run around, climb trees and even take a tumble out of a tree but that doesn’t always fly well. Thus we have incorporated a kiddies friendly way of teaching pilates for children to enhance their motoric & cognitive development. Calling all parents: let your children experience the wonders of kids pilates and improve their muscle tone, posture and flexibility.

Active oldies: Pilates for Elderly: Within each year of aging our bodies muscle mass decreases tremendously. By practising pilates you can slow down this process, work on your flexibility & balance. The downside of aging is the loss in confidence in bodies’ abilities. At performance pilates we use exercises and balance techniques to keep the body functional and so build confidence in your muscle strength.

PB pilates: Pilates as a rehabilitation form: As mentioned in the beginning of this article Pilates is a tool to help your body function at its peak. By strengthen your core, stretching weak& over active muscles and regrouping muscle patterns you can help eliminate sport injuries and help improve overall wellbeing. ……………………………………..

Whether you are a performance athlete or want to stay toned and fit…you will benefit from Pilates.
For more information contact Mieke le Roux mieke.leroux@valdevie.co.za