What is Pilates?

Pilates is an evidence based form of strengthening and mobilising one’s body that uses a holistic approach to exercise programming. It is important that participants of Pilates complete a medical history and consent form and that they take the time to speak with the instructor about their body, health and goals prior to commencing exercise.

Pilates exercise programming is designed to address the needs of the individual client in order to produce functional movement through alignment, mobility, strength and control.

It is a requirement of the Pilates participant to ensure they have the correct focus while under instruction, they understand the intent of their program, and work to ensure they hold from as instructed.

All Pilates sessions are delivered by qualified Pilates instructors who hold as a minimum a Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction.

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Qualifications, Membership and Registrations

In Australia there is a number of registered training providers offering courses in Pilates. The training varies from short course certificates in the instruction of single apparatus, to an Advanced Diploma.

There are two peak bodies representing Pilates in Australia – PAA, APMA. At Physical-ease Recovery Clinic your instructor will be a member of at least one of these bodies and hold a minimum of a Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction.

Selecting the right class for you…

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Semi-private studio sessions are recommended for clients who have a good understanding of the Pilates method and exercise principals and are working at a progressive level.

Semi-private instruction is suitable for clients with older injuries, musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain who are stable, requiring less supervision during a studio workout.

Semi-private sessions are also ideal for the Pilates client who intends to do more than one session per week. Semi-private sessions have 3-4 participants to an instructor.

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Mat classes are delivered to groups and require the client to have the ability to; engage their core; apply the lateral breathing technique; and stabilise their pelvis while working out.

Before joining a mat class you are required to undertake a mat concepts assessment. This assessment assists us in helping you manage any issues/injuries you may have while participating in the class and will enable us to ensure that you are placed in the correct class.

To participate in Mat classes it is expected that you are relatively healthy, without significant or acute injury, and that you are able to get up and down off the floor. 

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Mat Concepts

This is a prerequisite to starting Mat Pilates with Physical-ease Recovery Clinic.

During the 45-minute session your posture and range of movement is assessed and you are taught some of the foundation principals such as lateral breathing, neutral pelvis and core engagement.

You will also learn how to manage any existing injuries.

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Foundation classes focus on breathing supporting all movements. Movements flow from one to another and attention is paid to the correct set up of your body to execute each movement correctly. This class includes the use of small apparatus from time to time.

This is an introductory level class and numbers are kept small so that better supervision can be provided to all participants. Every effort is made to assist you in learning the Pilates method during this class.

However, in the event you are unable to keep up with the Foundation class, we will recommend that you undertake some studio sessions in order to strengthen your stabiliser muscles and better prepare you for the Mat class environment.

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50 minutes – Up to 8 Participants

Progressive mat classes are slightly longer in duration and the challenge is increased. At this level participants are expected to be able to engage their core and breathe laterally, as well as perform all of the basic and foundations movements.

Use of small apparatus is often included in Progressive programs.

As the level of experience in this class is higher and does not require the same level of supervision and assistance, we take up to 8 participants in each session

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Intermediate mat classes run for 50 minutes and participants in this class are expected to be able to perform all movements up to intermediate level correctly and without supervision.

The intermediate programs significantly increase the challenge to participants and require the participant to be able to work through a Progressive level session with ease.

Intermediate classes run at a faster pace.

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Buff Bones® is a medically-endorsed workout that combines Pilates, functional movement, strength training, and therapeutic exercise with bone-strengthening and balance techniques to optimise the health and safety of your bones.

Buff Bones is suitable for both men and women. It is fantastic for clients with osteoporosis or osteopenia.