A long, long time ago – in what now feels like the life of someone else, I did a lot of Pilates. I was strong and fit and recall that feeling of health and wellbeing with great fondness (a feeling that is somewhat further away thanks to three kids and, well, inherent laziness).
This Saturday is ‘International Pilates Day’, a chance for people who have tried it and love it to celebrate and an opportunity for those who haven’t and are interested to check it out.
In Canberra, a free mat-work session will be held at 8am on Saturday 3rd of May at Reconciliation Place between Questacon and the High Court on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
Places are limited to 100 and refreshments will be provided to those who participate after the event. Teachers from Pilates ITC and Canberra Pilates will be on hand to help and answer any questions you have about the discipline (to join the class, contact Pilates Canberra on 62817788 or via www.pilatescanberra.com.au).
Pilates can be appreciated in 2 forms: Studio or Equipment Pilates sessions or Mat-work Classes. Both provide different outcomes for the participant; the original Pilates Method was taught on the Pilates equipment with strong supervision and progression from Basic exercises taught to Advanced over many years of committed ongoing sessions.
Pilates is a great way to develop strength without bulk and to rehabilitate from injury and then continue to strengthen, tone and condition in a safe way that does not impact joints.
When signing up for Pilates in Canberra, check that your instructor is a registered with the Pilates Alliance of Australiasia (PAA). If you have a physiological, systemic, neurological or psychological problem where you have been referred by a surgeon, psychiatrist or physiotherapist you should always look at the Studio or Equipment based sessions first and discuss with the Director or Senior Instructor at the studio.
For studio work ensure that initially you have at least two, one-hour sessions before you participate in any small group sessions. If you are fit, well and healthy then Mat-classes could be right for you.
Lanette from Pilates Canberra points out that ‘Pilates feels very odd at first; however after a period of time the body and mind begin to feel that Pilates is a very organic and very centred way to work.’