Basics
What is the difference between Matwork and Equipment Pilates?
The Question? This is a question I am often asked by clients, particularly new clients who have just started Pilates. Most of them have heard of matwork Pilates but the equipment side is new to them. The Answer Matwork classes At Vital Pilates a mat class is an hour long and has a maximum of […]
Sequential Spinal Movement
What is it? Sequential Spinal Movement is a key characteristic of many mat work and equipment exercises. It is a movement that requires the spine to move one vertebra at a time, releasing the spine joint by joint, from top to bottom or bottom to top. The exercises need to be executed slowly and in […]
My A-Z of Pilates
Summary here A is for… Abdominals – one of the most popular and main areas we work on during our Pilates sessions. B is for… Balance – we always spend some time working on proprioception and balance during our classes. C is for… Concentration – this is needed as you exercise to you make sure […]
Top 10 Benefits of Pilates
There are many benefits of Pilates. Some of the benefits will be more important to you as an individual than others. These are my top 10: Helps to Strengthen your muscles and bones Improves your Flexibility Helps Correct Muscle Activation Improves Imbalances in your body Improves your Posture and Alignment Gives you Greater Body Awareness […]
What is Neutral and why is it important?
The Question? When I meet a new client and they are a beginner I always start by talking them through the basics and principles of Pilates. I then tell them that we often work in something called neutral and ask them if they have heard of this. The majority of people say no they haven’t […]
Pilates Principles
Pilates is based on 6 key principles. Every exercise we perform in Pilates is based on these 6 principles. When you first start Pilates I would recommend you focus on A, B and C. Alignment, Breathing and Centre. Once you feel you have got these right and are incorporating them into every Pilates exercise you can […]
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a body conditioning method that works in a different way to traditional fitness techniques. Targeting the deep postural muscles, which help protect and stabilize the spine. Pilates works by building strength from the inside out, rebalancing the body and bringing it into correct alignment. The exercises are performed slowly with control and the […]