Pilates is a movement technique developed by Joseph Pilates and expanded by more recent developments in our understanding of the body. Pilates is not simply a set of repetitive exercises. It encourages an integrated body awareness that can be transferred into any exercise routine as well as the functional movements in everyday life.


Muscle tension and joint strain can result from continuous repetition of poor movement patterns and can cause long term loss of movement. Most back injuries, for example, are the result of inefficient habitual movement causing a slow build up of strain that results in more severe injuries to the spine. Remedial work can help to restore some degree of movement, but prevention is always better than cure.


Pilates focuses on maintaining good alignment throughout your movement practice, aiming for precision but without losing a sense of flow. The co-ordination of breath and movement is used to encourage recruitment of deeper muscles (centering) and balance controlled contractions against the flow of the movement. The technique develops mobility in the spine whilst also strengthening muscles of the back, sides and front of the torso. Effective practice requires concentration to access the detail of the technique.

 

Client Testimonial
"I have been attending various Pilates classes for six years and have always found it fun and beneficial. When I sustained a back injury compounded by training for the London Marathon, my osteopath recommended increasing the Pilates I was doing.

Marguerite has been teaching me 1:1 for the last year and I am now not only back up and running but found abdominal muscles I never knew I had! She pays meticulous attention to the smallest details which make a very real difference to each exercise. Her knowledge and experience in biomechanics means she is able to treat each person she sees as an individual, making small adjustments to posture or technique so that the benefits of each position are maximised.

Classes with Marguerite are friendly and relaxed, yet you always leave with the feeling you have worked hard! "

Victoria Batten, October 2009