PILATES
What is Pilates?

Pilates is a body conditioning method that works in a different way to other fitness techniques-by building strength from the inside out, rebalancing the body and bringing it to correct alignment. It was developed in early 20th century by Joseph Pilates and originally called Contrology.
The program focuses on educating the deep postural muscles, which help to keep the body balanced and are essential to provide support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath, alignment of the spine, muscle control and flexibility- all which are very important in helping to alleviate and prevent back pain.

What makes Body Control Pilates different?
Body Control Pilatesâ exercises are adapted from the ‘classical’ exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. We believe that many of these classical exercises are often not suitable for the average person and the average body. In order for someone to work safely and effectively and to gain the full benefits of Pilates, these classical exercises should be broken down to establish good movement skills thus building the best possible foundation upon which to progress towards the classical, more advanced work. This is the essence of the Body Control Pilatesâ Method.
Body Control Pilates is remarkably effective - and medically-approved. It is of an holistic nature, being based upon a well-constructed philosophical foundation. Central to the Method is 'awareness of your own body' and each and every exercise is built around its eight basic principles:

Concentration
Relaxation
Breathing
Alignment
Centring (core stability)
Co-ordination (control)
Flowing movements
Stamina

If you've been active and attended regular exercise class prior conception, there shouldn't be many reasons why you shouldn't keep active throughout the pregnancy. It is vital and strongly recommended that you take medical advice before starting a new exercise program (or continuing your old one).
Many women decide to take up Pilates after they know that they're pregnant (often assuming it is the gentle alternative). BCPA (Body Control Pilates Association) recommends that instead of joining a general group class part way through the pregnancy, joining a small group session or 1:1 session designed for pregnant women by specially qualified teachers, helps to outweigh any risks. One in four women will have a miscarriage- it is not uncommon. Therefore it is advised that you avoid strenuous activities until the pregnancy is well established, that is 16 weeks.
There are many musculo-skeletal and postural changes taking place during your pregnancy e.g. there is an increase in oestrogen, progesterone and relaxin, which affects the collagen metabolism and the extensibility of connective tissue. In simple words you become rather flexible, the ligaments that tie the bone to bone will be more flexible and that makes all the joints prone to instability (including the pelvis and spine) and this may end up causing aches and pains. As the pregnancy progresses the changes in balance, posture and centre of gravity will become more obvious.
Denyse and Kadi are both qualified to teach pregnant women. We are currently not offering Ante-Natal Group Sessions however Private Pilates sessions are available to book by appointment.

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Various neck and back problems (slipped disks, back operations, whiplash etc)
Hip and knee replacements
Parkinson’s
Mild stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
Tennis elbow
Symphysis Pubis dysfunction
Stress fractures
Pelvic instability
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Muscle strains
Ligament sprains
Hypermobility
Frozen shoulder

Kadi and Denyse will perform necessary checks with your practitioner (Osteopath, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor. G.P) if considered appropriate.

Body Control® Pilates instructors keep the right to refuse the client if Pilates exercises are believed to be unsuitable.

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