What makes Pilates special?

Pilates develops much of what exercisers need :
Strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, coordination, balance, and good posture
... with a much lower chance of injury than with other forms of exercise.

Is it like yoga?

Pilates is similar to yoga but emphasizes your body’s core — the abdomen, obliques, lower back, inner and outer thigh, butt, and so on.

At times, you may be strengthening one muscle while stretching another.

Is it hard to do?

The Pilates discipline emphasises correct form instead of going for the 'burn'.

With so many exercise variations and progressions, you may have a hard time getting bored with Pilates!

How will I benefit?

Pilates teaches you to think about how you use your muscles during your workout so you use them better in daily life. For instance, because much of the focus is on good posture and body mechanics, you stand and sit taller and walk more gracefully.

What exactly is Pilates?

Created nearly 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates, the pilates method is a system of exercises designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness.

Today there are different schools and approaches, however the two most commonly practised forms are mat work and equipment (Reformer) classes.

Fababs Pilates offers a structured exercise programme which will build your movement skills step by step, based on the ‘Fundamentals’ of alignment, breathing and centring (Core Stability).

Why is it good for me?

Pilates is known to assist with:

Flexibility and strength
Joint mobility
Improved posture
Balance
Co-ordination
Bone and muscle strength
Stamina and energy
Improved dexterity and grip

Parkinson's
Multiple Sclerosis
Breast Cancer
Hip Replacement
Knee Replacement
Preparing for childbirth and getting in shape afterwards
Improved self-esteem and confidence

"Physical activity is one of the most effective ways of positively influencing our health . . . it can add years to our lives, but most importantly, it keeps us happy and helps us maintain our independence" . . . Age UK

Do I need any special equipment?

When you come to the Pilates session, we will provide everything you need ... so you just need to turn up ready to exercise in comfortable exercise gear that allows for freedom of movement, but that also allows you to check your alignment. (Trackpants or leggings and a T-shirt).

A history of Pilates

Ideally, our muscles should obey our will. Reasonably, our will should not be dominated by the reflex actions of our muscles.

— Joesph Pilates

As a heavy rainstorm freshens the water of a sluggish or stagnant stream and whips it into immediate action, so does the Pilates method purify the bloodstream.

— Joseph Pilates

Through the Pilates method of body conditioning, this unique trinity of a balanced body, mind and spirit can ever be attained. Self confidence follows.

— Joseph Pilates