Christine Lamb

Pilates is a very specific method of moving. Pilates teachers graduating from the best schools have received extensive training over a long period of time. Unfortunately, many fitness instructors and personal trainers have added Pilates to their list of skills without being certified or have attended very short courses consisting of just a few hours. You should ask to see the teacher’s qualification and check out the awarding organisation before you commit to sessions.

Gyms need to make their classes viable and to do this they need large numbers of people attending each week. They are not concerned about whether it’s the same people each week or new people just starting, so long as there are enough ‘bodies on mats’ to reach their quota. To learn Pilates, you need small classes with everyone at the same or similar level, and an experienced teacher who is familiar with any medical issues you may have as some Pilates exercises are unsuitable for certain medical conditions. I take a full medical history and will consult with your medical team (with your permission) if necessary. Your wellbeing is my priority.

DVDs and books can be a great way to supplement your studio sessions but they are no substitute for working with an experienced teacher. I do suggest suitable books and DVDs to clients if I think it would be beneficial. I certainly would avoid Pilates DVDs fronted by a celebrity who has no Pilates training. The Stott Pilates DVDs are excellent.

It’s good practice to attend once or twice a week at the studio and follow your specific home workout programme once or twice a week to gain the maximum benefits. Don’t despair if you can’t manage this initially. Just one session at the studio and one at home will make a difference.

Please see the following pages: Pilates, Pilates for Women, Pilates for Men, Pilates for Seniors

Pilates with an experienced teacher is suitable for most people. However, each case is individually assessed and an appropriate programme is created. Certain conditions may need medical approval.

Both Matwork and the equipment provide similar benefits: improved strength, posture, agility, and flexibility, as well as toned muscles. Beginners need to understand the fundamentals of the method before using the equipment. The equipment uses springs and pulleys to create resistance and is very versatile. The equipment also increases the range of modifications that can be made to the exercise, and allows additional exercises beyond what can be done on a mat. This capability, combined with the support afforded by the resistance allows people with limited range of movement or injuries to safely do modified exercises.

If you suffer from chronic back pain or any other injury, specific rehab movements can help to alleviate the symptoms and help you to move more freely. These sessions are on a one to one basis.