What is Pilates?
Pilates technique is based on eight principles which form the basis of each session. Pilates has become known as a 'mind-body' form of exercise and the principles below sum up many of the reasons why and the benefits that most people find from regular practice.
Concentration
Pilates has been called the 'thinking way of moving' because each movement is controlled by focused thought.
Unlike other exercise systems where you can let your mind wander you really have to focus on the technique which means that most people find the method a good way to 'switch off' for an hour.
Breathing
Correct breathing is a major part of the technique although most people find it the hardest to master. It doesn't matter at first and I always reassure beginners that as long as they are breathing at the start that is the main thing! However, as you begin to master the breathing you will discover how beneficial it is.
Centring
Pilates technique uses our 'core muscles' which are also known as our centre. All the movements are controlled from our core and as we strengthen these muscles our posture improves.
The centre is not just our tummy muscles though! In Pilates we use the whole torso from hips to shoulders to control the movements and therefore build strength.
Control
Each exercises done with slow, controlled movement working against gravity to improve our overall strength.
Precision
Each exercise starts in a specific postion which ultimately means that each movement is performed with precise technique.
Flowing Movements
Each exercise is performed with control and precision but also as one continuous flowing movement in order to work the body through a full range of motion.
Isolation
Each person will feel each exercise in a slightly different way depending on their own strengths and weaknesses. As you become more practiced at the technique you will learn to isolate specific muscles and target certain areas of the body.
Routine
As with any other activity, your skill in Pilates will increase with regular practice. However, Pilates is not designed to be the only exercise you do, rather it should compliment any training program and strengthen your body for any activity you require.
Pilates is a great way to start exercising, especially is you haven't done anything for a while or are suffering from back problems.
The 34 Moves
During our mathwork classes I quite often refer to the original 34 moves devised by Joseph Pilates. Some of the modern day Pilates moves, such as the Spine Twist and One Leg Stretch, are very recognisable and very similar to their original ancestors whereas some of the original work is never, or very rarely taught in a modern mathwork class.
We wouldn’t necessarily want to always and only perform the original 34 moves – the modern day repertoire allows us a much wider scope to work with – BUT they are VERY challenging and learning the original moves certainly helps to deepen our understanding of the technique. I also think it’s nice to challenge ourselves occasionally in a different way to normal!
This is why I try to include at least one original version of an exercise in to each of the sessions I teach – so that everyone who comes to my class can feel the challenge of the original work but also gain a deeper understanding of their own bodies and the moves we perform in class.
However, there are always alternatives and/or adaptations for anyone who needs them.
History of Pilates
Joseph Pilates was born near Dusseldorf, Germany in 1880. He was a poorly child suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He studied body building, diving, skiing and gymnastics in order to get better and became so fit that by the age of 14 he posed for anatomical charts.
In 1912 Pilates moved to England working as a boxer, circus performer and self-defence trainer for English detectives. When the First World War broke out he was interned where he worked as a nurse. He trained the other interns in physical fitness and it was his training that was credited when none of the inmates succumbed to an influenza epidemic that killed thousands.
After the war Pilates returned to Germanyand trained the Hamburg police force. However in 1926 he moved to America, meeting his future wife Clara on the boat to New York.
Pilates set up an exercise studio on 8th Avenue and by the 1940’s was well known in the dance community. Joe and Clara continued to work hard training dancers and by the early 60’s had manyNew York dancers as their clients. Joe died in 1967 but Clara continued working, helping students of theirs set up their own exercise studios. From these students, the technique of ‘Pilates’ became more widely known in America and from there spread all over the world.
Modern day proponents of the technique including Jennifer Aniston, Liz Hurley & Gwyneth Paltrow have helped to raise the profile of the method while there are many other celebrities who sing it’s praises – and not just for the way it helps them look. Pilates has also become widely known as a method suitable for those with injuries as physiotherapists have promoted the benefits of building a strong ‘core’ to help alleviate back pain.
Take a look at the Benefits of Pilates to learn more about how Pilates can help you and to un derstand more about the technique check out Principles of Pilates
Testimonials from my amazing clients
Tag (Mary) McEntegart: Humanist/non-religious celebrant and international development consultant
I’ve been attending Fran’s Pilates classes since around 2005/6, when they were Cov City Council evening classes, and I have followed her wherever she has gone ever since (and would still follow her, doggedly!). I had suffered for years (from the mid-1980s) with lower back problems and the after effects of childhood scoliosis and at one time was told that I might be on pain-killers and in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. I did yoga in my 30s & 40s, but had never really had the physical strength to feel comfortable with what yoga offers (often couldn’t even get into the poses!). However, the core/pelvic floor work that is at the heart of Pilates became and has remained the perfect ‘maintainer’ for me of my back and pelvis strength and flexibility, as well as my head, neck and shoulder mobility (as a self-employed keyboard-hammerer!)….and, as a life-long learner and self-developer herself, Fran has been the perfect teacher and companion all the way through those years. Even though now, in my late 60s, I also have osteoarthritis, osteopenia and two gammy knees, thanks to Pilates, I’m capable of a level of flexibility and mobility that eludes many much younger people than me!! And that’s down to Fran constantly keeping it fresh…thank you so much, Fran… &B - ))
Jo S, Coventry.
I've been doing Pilates with Fran for a few years now. It helps me manage all the aches and stiffness I get from spending too much time sat at my desk. If I miss a week or two, I really feel the difference.
Fran is great at keeping things simple and encouraging us to do that little bit more, so we get the most of the session.
If you have been thinking about starting Pilates, Fran's classes are a great place to start.
Jan D, Coventry.
I previously did yoga but my chiropractor recommended pilates to further enhance my core strength. I started weekly Pilates classes with Fran nearly 5 years ago. Since then my core strength has definitely improved along with my flexibility and balance. I really notice the difference when I can't get to class for a couple of weeks. Fran is a great teacher - gentle but motivating whilst encouraging everyone to work within their limits. She's also very approachable. Fran often adjusts the exercise for one of us in the class if we have a medical or mobility issue that week or generally. It's been great keeping up with our class during lockdown via Zoom - in fact I haven't missed a week!
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