Matwork
“The centre of your body is the centre of your power. The body should work in unison – not as separate parts, with all movement stemming from your centre.” Joseph Pilates
The Pilates ‘method’ is an exercise system focussed on improving flexibility, strength and body awareness, without building bulk. The method is s series of controlled movements supervised by specially trained teachers. Joseph Pilates referred to what we now term as our ‘core’ muscles as the ‘powerhouse’ for the whole body. He rightly believed that the abdominals initiated every movement. To maintain this strong centre, Pilates believed you need an equal balance of strength between the abdominals and the back.
In his first book published in 1945, Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology, the 34 original matwork exercises that Joseph taught to his students are described along with the guiding principles of contrology.
In our matwork studio classes are kept to a maximum of five in the lesson, emphasising the importance we place on the personal wellbeing and safe progression of all of our clients. All of our teachers are extensively trained in postural alignment, ensuring the focus is kept on toning, lengthening and realigning the muscles in your body.
Our teachers will continuously prompt you to concentrate deeply on your core muscles, as well as on your breathing, contraction of your muscles, and the quality - never quantity - of your movements. These are the key elements of Joseph Pilates philosophy - a coordination of mind, body and sprit - ‘contrology’.
