Dancing with Catherine

PILATES

Unique in its approach to work the body ‘smart’, not ‘hard’, Pilates is renowned for achieving long-term physical benefits. When exercising using Pilates’ principles, the outcome is better posture, stronger and more flexible muscles, greater energy and an increased ability to cope with day-to-day stresses.

**NB. It is essential to pre-book your place by phone or email prior to attending any class**

PLEASE NOTE ALL PILATES CLASSES ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FEB/MAR 2009 WHILST CATHERINE IS OFF WITH HER NEW BABY. SEE NEWS PAGES FOR DETAILS OF WHEN WE RETURN.

  Mondays Kings Hill School   6:30pm

  Tuesdays Dulwich Prep School, Cranbrook   6:30pm

  Wednesdays Coxheath Village Hall 5:00pm

  Wednesdays Coxheath Primary School  6:30pm

Payment is made on a termly basis (6-8 weeks) equating to £6 per class. This guarantees your space in the class for that term and there are no refunds once the payment has been made. Alternatively, a charge of £7 per class can be made on a 'pay as you go' basis but this will not guarantee your space and you will have to check on availability each week. All classes are 55 mins.

The classes are mixed ability and cater for beginners and intermediate levels. One to one sessions, held at Coxheath, are available on request and are £30 for 45mins. Please consult with your medical practioner before embarking on any exercise regime. 

What is Pilates?

Pilates' exercises combine postures and movement from Yoga, dance and gymnastics but also include original movements that differ from other techniques. Pilates works to strengthen the body's core, lengthen the spine, build muscle tone and increase body awareness and flexibility.

Do you have to be fit?

The beauty of Pilates is that it lends itself to all levels of physical fitness and to all ages. Classes can be tough enough for the strong and gentle for the weak and Pilates is often prescribed by physiotherapists doctors for their patients to rehabilitate their injuries.

Can it help particular health problems?

Pilates can help the nervous system easing migraine, tension headache, depression, seasonal affective disorders, and the metabolism. Pilates promotes healthy cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. The muscular skeletal system can be helped by relieving problems such as lumbar/sacral disc problems, knee pain, and pressure on cartilage on joints. Through exercise, the urogenical system can be helped, aiding problems like stress, incontinence. High blood pressure can also be reduced by regular controlled exercise.

Be a Powerhouse!

Plates exercises develop strong abdominal, back, bottom and deep-postural muscles. The exercises focus on the muscles that support the skeleton and act as the 'powerhouse of the body'. The abdominals, bottom, back and the inner thigh muscles, when working together constitute the powerhouse. These muscles are the major stabilising muscles of the torso and are very important for preventing injury to the back. Why should you care about your powerhouse? The muscles protect your back from potential injury and if you have a weak or problematic back then strengthening the powerhouse will probably alleviate you problems. Working from the centre of your body when doing any movement takes the load off the joints and the spine and helps your body work more efficiently.