Pilates FAQ's.
Of course! We would recommend you attend the &Starter Class to get the most out of your session and ensure you are safe using the Reformers. The focus will also be on understanding the Principles of Pilates.
We recommend you start with the &Starter or &Stretch classes if you have never done Reformer before (click on class descriptions for more info).
You will need to arrive to class 5 minutes prior to the class start time. Bring a water bottle and a positive mindset to help you achieve your physical and mental goals over the coming week.
Yes! This is just as important as the physical component and will ensure the you receive the best results. We’ve extensively researched this stuff – we know!
Activewear or comfortable clothing that can move with you is perfect!
Both are about challenging the body, connecting the mind and using the breath. Pilates in general is more dynamic and offers equipment to increase or decrease the challenge of the overall experience. Both require mind movements, though Yoga includes a little more of a mindfulness and spiritual experience….which brings us to &Pilates!
Static posture is the tip of the iceberg. Most people do not understand that posture is dynamic. Our posture needs to be continuously challenged to ensure all our motor patterns are kept in check. Pilates Reformer beds help to provide an environment that challenges all of our small and large muscle groups. With all muscles working in balance our dynamic and static posture improves immediately.
The Pilates Reformer bed is a traditional piece of Pilates equipment which looks like a bed with different weighted springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys. It was designed by Joseph Pilates himself.
Health benefits of Pilates (as per betterhelath.vic.gov.au)
The health benefits of Pilates include:
- Improved flexibility
- Increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
- Balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body
- Enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs
- >Improved stabilisation of your spine
- Improved posture
- Rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
- Improved physical coordination and balance
- Relaxation of your shoulders, neck and upper back
- Safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
- Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
- Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing
- Improved concentration
- Increased body awareness
- Stress management and relaxation
As per American College of Sports Medicine (acsm.org). HIIT improves:
- Aerobic and anaerobic fitness
- Blood pressure
- Cardiovascular health
- Insulin sensitivity (which helps the exercising muscles more readily use glucose for fuel to make energy – this makes you burn calories faster)
- Cholesterol profiles (ratio of low density lipids to higher density lipids)
- Abdominal fat and body weight while maintaining muscle mass.
Mindfulness:
- Reduces Stress
- Reduces Anxiety
- Improves Sleep Quality
- Improves relationship satisfaction
- Improves cognition
Pilates alone may or may not help you lose weight. However, research detailing a combination of methods such as Pilates, mindfulness and HIIT, has shown weight loss as a key benefit.
No. At this stage we do not run women’s only classes.
We are planning on running pre and post natal classes soon. Check the timetable for more information!
We provide a water fountain for you to stay hydrated. We also offer a bathroom and change room. Unfortunately, we do not have showers at this time.
It is advisable that you have attended fitness classes previously although you don’t have to be “fit”- though you will certainly improve all areas of your body and mind ’s fitness by attending.
No. As classes are group and non-clinically based, we would recommend seeing a health professional to sign off on your attendance. You will need to sign a waiver, before you attend your first class.
Socks with grip or a sticky sole are ideal and are recommended. Hygiene is taken care of in between classes with all equipment wiped between sessions.
Reformer Pilates is beneficial for adolescents through to adults. The minimum age of our attendees is 14 years.
You can cancel online as well as book online. &Pilates requires 8 hours notice of cancellation or the class will be charged as if you attended.
We recommend at least three times a week to get the most out of &Pilates to help you feel great, move well and think better!
If you are pregnant or are considering pregnancy &Pilates insists you consult with your treating doctor. Clinical Pilates may be more beneficial for you during pregnancy. Please call us to discuss if you are unsure.
Joseph Pilates once said, "In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body".
Depending on your fitness levels you may experience some soreness after your first class.
Our studio is located in Bayside Melbourne at 3/116 Balcombe Rd. Our admin desk and wonderful helpful admin team is located 100m away at mhealth, 2/3 Swanston St Mentone.
The easiest way to book &Pilates classes is by downloading our app in the App Store or Google Play or alternatively book online via the Schedule Page.
&Pilates has both female and male instructors.
Joseph died in 1967 aged 83. He was an innovator and general all round legend of the fitness industry. Contrology was his legacy, a program of 34 exercises for achieving fitness. Posthumously Contrology was named Pilates. The exercise form has been morphed in many directions since his passing but Google his life story. His values inspire &Pilates
and we look to pay that forward to you.
Mindfulness is the skill of clearing the mind to be present in the moment without any disruptive thoughts. With a clear mind you can focus on what really matters and let all the rubbish go.
The easiest way to book &Pilates classes is by downloading our app in the Apple app store or Google play store or alternatively, you can also book online via the Schedule page.
We run &Student classes for teenagers aged 13-18.
