Pilates is an exercise discipline that complements your aerobic fitness workout. Everyone needs cardiovascular or aerobic work to their body to keep the heart and lungs healthy and this can be achieved by brisk walking, running or any sport or activity that leaves you puffed.

Pilates gives you the other critical exercise element- a method to strengthen, align, tone, stretch and rehabilitate the body. Movement theory and practice in Pilates is designed 'to give you suppleness, natural grace and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk in the way you play, and in the way you work' - Joseph Pilates, founder.

Pilates works by re-balancing the body, altering the way in which you recruit muscles to produce movements. It changes the way you use your body, the way you move - restoring natural, normal movement.

Specialist Pilates' classes incorporate a range of simple movements for maximum effect, employing different tools to provide more challenge and vary every workout. Regular practice typically leads to a stronger, leaner body and has an overall de-stressing effect on most people.

Pilates works on strengthening the stabilising muscles, which lie close to and support the spine. Transverse abdominus is the deepest of the abdominal muscles, wrapping around the trunk horizontally, acting like a "corset" when engaged. Two other muscles are important in providing good stability in the trunk, the multifidus muscle in the low back and the pelvic floor hammock of muscles. This creates the solid cylinder around the central spine, helping to prevent shearing forces being applied to the vertebrae, ligaments and discs. Pilates exercises are gentle, progressive, and performed slowly with good postural alignment at all times.

Please see the Reformer section of the website for further information on these highly acclaimed Pilates machines.

A typical Specialist Pilates mat class consists of the following components and is taught to music:

· Warm up/Mental and Physical preparation

· Standing Functional and Balance Work

· Mat work Exercises for Abdominal, Back, Arm and Leg strength

· Stretch and Relaxation