Thursday 15 September 2016

6 reasons to make Pilates part of your life


If you’re thinking about trying Pilates here are our top 6 reasons why we at Pilates Place think you should give it a go!

1. Pilates is holistic
Pilates is exercise for your whole body, from head to toes. At the same time as you stretch and strengthen your muscles, you also control your breathing and learn good posture. Lots of people find Pilates very relaxing, but it can also be energising leaving you raring to get on with your day!

2. Pilates is suitable for (almost) everyone…
We often hear people worry that Pilates isn’t for them because they can’t sit or lie down on the floor. Well, the good news is you don’t have to! If you want to go to group Pilates classes, a good teacher should be able to modify all the exercises to be done sitting in a chair or standing. Better yet, you can take up Studio Pilates where the exercises are done on large pieces of equipment.


3. …but Pilates is not a soft option
Another thing we hear all the time is people dismissing Pilates because they think it’s not “real exercise”. Have we got news for you!! Above all, Pilates is extremely versatile. The most advanced Pilates exercises are extremely difficult and require great physical strength and concentration. If you're super fit (and dedicate a lot of time to Pilates!) you could eventually be doing moves like these...

The spectacular moves of Spanish Pilates teacher Cassia Frade

4. Pilates is perfect for people who sit at their desk all day
Pilates helps correct poor postural habits office workers learn from sitting in the same position all day at their desks. Pilates will stretch out your hamstrings, strengthen your core muscles, and make you more aware of how you hold your body – all of which will help you to reduce low back pain when seated or standing.

5. …and Pilates is extremely beneficial for athletes
Do you play golf? Tennis? Maybe you love swimming, cycling, horse riding, or dancing? Pilates is a great way to increase your strength and flexibility to help you reach new heights in your chosen field.
British tennis champ Andy Murray doing Pilates on the Cadillac

6. Pilates makes you feel good!
This might be the best reason of all… Have we already mentioned that Pilates helps relieve and prevent pain from stiff joints and poor posture? So it will certainly make you feel physically better, but like all forms of exercise, it will also release endorphins which lift your mood and help you feel fantastic. And, because Pilates is low impact and tailored to fit your ability level, you shouldn’t feel over-exerted after your class.

So there you have it!
We are convinced Pilates can help you, so why not give it a try? If you already enjoy the benefits of Pilates please tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Wednesday 7 September 2016

Exciting times and new beginnings!

Over the last 12 years we have had amazing success and growth thanks to our wonderful customers and longstanding members.

As a result, we have outgrown our old studio in Stratford upon Avon, so we're opening a bigger, better Pilates Place! (Members who currently use the Stratford studio will be pleased to know that the new studio is also in Stratford.)

Peta outside the new studio at Payton House
We are thrilled to announce that we will be in our new home at the beginning of October 2016 ... with more space, more equipment, new classes, and a couple of new staff members. Exciting times are ahead for Pilates Place!

More information will be released very very soon, but for now ... watch this space!

Saturday 3 September 2016

Introducing ... Reformer Pilates Classes

At our brand new Pilates studio we're introducing group Reformer classes to Stratford upon Avon for the first time!


So, what are Group Reformer Classes?
Well, simply, they are classes for up to 6 people to use the Reformers in our studio. One of our highly qualified and experienced Pilates teachers will lead the whole group through the exercises together.


I'm not even sure what a Reformer is!
To the untrained eye it might look like an instrument of torture, but please don't feel intimidated by it! The Reformer is a versatile item of Pilates studio equipment - in fact, it's essential for studio Pilates.

Despite all those handles and straps, the Reformer isn't a very complicated beast. It's just a sliding carriage on a frame, attached to springs and pulleys. Reformer Pilates exercises are gentle but challenging, as you move the carriage against the resistance of the springs.

Here's Peta teaching on the Reformer in our Shipston studio
Essential Information
  • How long? 45 minutes (daytime) or 60 minutes (evening).
  • Where? Our brand new studio here in Stratford upon Avon.
  • How much? Prices start at £10.16 per class.
  • Who can attend? KEY classes are suitable for beginners. ENERGY classes are for those with a little more experience.
  • How can I book? You can book and pay online here!
If you have health problems please contact us to check if these classes will be suitable for you.

Do you have any other questions about Group Reformer Classes at Pilates Place? Let us know in the comments below, or email us at pilatesplace@btconnect.com