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.


There is a lot of contradictory and confusing information with regards to exercise during pregnancy. This is due to the lack of research carried out in this field and also the very individual nature of pregnancy. Starting a new exercise programme during pregnancy is not recommended, especially during the first trimester. If you already attend a regular pilates class you should try to modify your existing exercise programme. If you have never done pilates before you are advised to see a suitably qualified practitioner on a one to one basis.


You should wear comfortable exercise clothing for the session, for example: tracksuit trousers and T-shirt. Avoid wearing anything restrictive like belts or trousers with zips or buttons on them. Shorts need to be fitted or at least knee length. The practice is carried out barefoot, although you can wear socks.


Whilst Matwork exercises are based on those developed by Joseph Pilates, the class content and delivery can vary greatly from one teacher to another. My aim is to offer a balanced strengthening and releasing program designed to tone the larger muscle groups with the support of the smaller core and stabilizing muscles. You can generally expect to do some standing warm up followed by a series of gentle pre-pilates exercises lying down on your back. These exercises aim to work on the detail of the technique including muscle recruitment sequencing and spinal articulation. Some releases may also be included towards the start of class to help lengthen the muscles gently in preparation for the more demanding exercises later in the class. The class then moves through several positions including side lying, prone lying, kneeling and sitting aiming to work the body evenly and gradually building up to the more complex whole body movement. Deeper stretching exercises are included towards the end of class.


The Pilates Foundation is a not for profit Pilates teacher training organization. Its training courses are the most comprehensive programs available in the UK. The foundation maintains high levels of teaching practice through its extensive CPD system that all its members are required to undergo.

Further details on the Pilates Foundation can be found on the website: www.pilatesfoundation.com