New to Pilates?

You're not alone! 

Did you know, Pilates is one of the fastest growing forms of exercise in the world? And any one can do it!

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What is Pilates?

Developed from the rehabilitation techniques of Joseph Pilates, Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat or equipment, that will help you look and feel your very best. No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you. Pilates improves core strength, flexibility, agility and motion.

What can Pilates do for me?

It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates improves flexibility, agility and motion. It can even help alleviate back pain.

Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen.

Why do Pilates?

Professional dancers have known the benefits of Pilates for decades. Top athletes use it for strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. Hollywood celebrities and supermodels use it to maintain beautiful physiques.

A refreshing mind-body workout

Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body. By emphasizing proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.

Build strength without "bulking up" - gain long, lean muscles and flexibility

Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.

Develop a strong core - flat abdominals and a strong back

Pilates exercises develop a strong "core," or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Control of the core is achieved by integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle.

Create an evenly conditioned body and prevent  injuries

In conventional workouts, weak muscles tend to get weaker and strong muscles tend to get stronger. The result is muscular imbalance - a primary cause of injury and chronic back pain. Pilates conditions the whole body, even the ankles and feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities, sport & exercise with greater ease and less chance of injury.

Learn efficient patterns of motion

Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.

Be confident and safe

No other exercise system is so gentle to your body while giving it a challenging workout. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing. Pilates is so safe, it is used in physical therapy facilities to rehabilitate injuries.

And be challenged

Pilates is also an extremely flexible exercise system. Modifications to the exercises allow for a range of difficulty ranging from beginners to advanced. Get the workout that best suits you now, and increase the intensity as your body conditioning improves.

So, what is the difference between Mat and Reformer Pilates?

Pilates machines, called ‘Reformers’ are a great place to start for new clients because it provides assistance, making the movements easier for beginners. It also provides feedback for clients so that they can improve their movement patterns quickly and easily.

You are fully supported in the machine and springs provide different levels of resistance depending on the strength of the individual and the level of ‘workout’ they need. The reformer can be gentle, working with traditional Pilates methods for core strength and posture to a cardio & resistance workout building lean, flexible, toned muscles.

The Reformers at Melbourne Natural Wellness are top of the range Allegro Reformers. The Allegro Pilates Reformer, with 26,750 in use around the world, has won rave reviews from Pilates instructors and fitness clubs for its ease of use, adjustability, safety and solid construction.

The most versatile Reformer on the market, The Allegro uses 8-wheel suspension system for a smooth, quiet ride. An extra-wide, padded foot bar adjusts to four vertical positions and four horizontal positions to accommodate various body sizes.

Pilates mat work

By picking movements and modifying the exercises, your instructor can make the initial therapy very supportive and assisted. You learn to "organize" your body and incorporate the principles of Pilates. Breathing is the most important aspect of a Pilates mat class. Depending on the physical ability of each client, your instructor will ensure you get the most out of your session and really feel the benefits as well as see them!