Pilates is a holistic approach to exercise that restores the body's balance through a series of movements on a mat or on Pilates apparatus. Based on Joseph Pilates' six principles of breathing, centering, precision, stability, control and flow, the method actively stretches and works the entire body, toning long muscles and teaching correct breathing. Improving the spine's flexibility and core strength, it enhances posture, relieving backache and toning the abdomen. Pilates is a comprehensive exercise system that can benefit everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. It is adaptable to specific needs and requirements.

Develops body strength and flexibility. | Helps posture and awareness of body alignment. | Strengthens and lengthens all muscle groups. | Increases overall coordination and awareness. | Tones and slims the body. | Helps prevent injury for athletes. | Boosts confidence in movement and daily life.

Pilates is a discipline and with any discipline, progress takes time. The best is to try to work out every other day or at least three times a week. Taking a break between sessions will give you time to do some cardiovascular exercise like walking, running, swimming, dancing or biking. Little by little, you will find that you start to naturally integrate some of the Pilates principles into everyday activities and sports, feeling more of a body-mind connection.

I offer group classes in Opio, La Colle sur Loup and Chateauneuf and mostly do private classes at people's homes around La Colle sur Loup, St Paul de Vence, Vence, Tourrettes, Opio, Le Rouret, Valbonne, Mougins in the Alpes Maritime 06. If you are not quite sure how to get started with Pilates, a good way is to get a few friends together, clear a space in your diary and in your home and begin your group Pilates classes. Working out with friends increases motivation and helps you raise the bar.

In the group and online classes you only need a mat. For some of the classes we use Magic Circle, TheraBand’s, Foam rollers and balls. For private sessions we do mat work with or without other tools. Private sessions also include working with Pilates apparatus such as Reformer, Cadillac and Chair. All depending on the clients requests and possibilities.

Come to class in comfortable clothes with no zippers or big buttons that may hinder ease of movement. Women tend to like wearing snug tops so as not to feel uncomfortable transitioning from one position to another.

All levels of the Pilates workout can be performed on a mat alone. The mat work may incorporate tools such as the Magic Circle and TheraBand’s for resistance, various-sized balls and rubber or foam rollers. In a Pilates studio, you may find basic Pilates apparatus including the Reformer, Cadillac and Chair that function using springs, pulleys or a combination of the two to create the right resistance for your level. You may also find the Ladder Barrel and Arc Barrel, which provide support for stretching. However, a complete workout can involve exercises on the mat alone or can be complemented by any of the other Pilates equipment. Whichever approach you choose is sure to offer enough variety to make you to want to do more.

This is one of those cases of, “you get out what you put in”. All disciplines take time and commitment. Because Pilates focuses on the deeper and harder-to-reach muscles of the body, many people have a hard time locating them at first. In certain cases, it takes weeks or even months for the brain to pinpoint them. That is why it is very important to repeat the fundamental exercises. In a nutshell, the transformation time varies for each student, but, as with any discipline, the more you practice, the better you get and the more you see results.

Pilates in itself is not necessarily a cardiovascular exercise system. However, the Pilates method combined with healthy eating and a cardiovascular routine can provide a tangible boost to any weight-loss program. If you are diligent about practicing Pilates, it will strengthen and tone the body, helping you feel and look better.

Pilates is an excellent exercise system that reinforces not only the core muscles but all the muscles in the body, developing a more balanced body. Teaching proper alignment and thereby improved posture, the Pilates method can in turn prevent and ease back pain.

Generally speaking, new exercise regimes are not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. If, however, you have been practicing Pilates and your pregnancy is a normal, healthy one, you may consider starting a very gentle pre-natal Pilates class during the second trimester. It is important not to over-exert the core muscles to avoid any separation of the abdominal muscles. Most exercises should be done in a sitting position. It is also important to avoid over-stretching because the ligaments around the joints become lax during pregnancy. Make sure you discuss any exercise regime with your doctor or gynecologist.

Getting back into shape after birth may seem like an enormous uphill battle that may take years, but Pilates offers a perfect exercise program for moms who want to get back into shape. Post-natal Pilates offers exercises that tone the lower abs and lift the pelvic floor. These gentle exercises realign and strengthen the body after pregnancy helping new moms to feel better all around. Having had two children myself, I have experienced the post-natal exercises first-hand and it helped me to get back to running and dancing quickly and pain free.