WORKSHOP 21st August 2008 price 40 Euros
An introduction to pilates with Vivienne and a chance to enjoy Tara's Retreat, and refreshments and a swim are included. You will also be able to book further classes on a regular basis if you are interested.
You do not need to have done Pilates before and it is suitable for everyone and all fitness levels.
Itinerary
11am to 12pm introduction to Pilates
12pm to 12.30pm Relaxation/meditation
12.30pm to 1pm swim and relax
1pm to 2pm Lunch *
2.30pm to 3.30pm Pilates Class
3.30pm to 4pm swim and relax
5pm Goodbyes
*(Lunch not included) Tara's Retreat Lunch for 8 Euros or you may bring a packed lunch
See below for information on Pilates
Pilates relates to a series of some 500 exercises developed over 60 years ago by the German athlete Joseph Pilates. He was a sickly child and devoted his adult life to bodybuilding and fitness exercises. He used disciplines from circus performing, martial arts to dance and even boxing and he had a natural understanding of the human body. All of the fitness exercises eventually culminated in the development of the ‘Pilates technique.’ Later it was modified for dancers and this is the version that is commonly practiced today.
Joseph Pilates was a hospital intern during the war and used his principles to help patients rehabilitate when they had lost limbs. He would remove springs from the beds and encourage the patients to use the springs to strengthen weak muscles. The Reformer and the Cadillac are machines that are used for Pilates and these were designed from his original work with the hospital beds.
After the war he set up a studio in New York and Pilates became popular with Dancers suffering from fatigue and injuries. He had a holistic approach to exercise and was very disciplined. In later years Pilates ‘the method’ went through various adaptations combined with modern physiotherapy and it became popular with the general public. It has evolved even more now and is becoming a very effective and popular method to either be practiced in small classes or on a one to one basis. There are a few organizations that have set up and put together training facilities for teachers and have a very high standard. Pilates came more into the limelight since the likes of Madonna has started to extol it’s benefits.
To practice Pilates it is necessary to know the importance of understanding the principles and the basics in order for it to be effective. Therefore it is beneficial to either have a few private sessions with a qualified teacher or attend a beginners workshop. Pilates is concerned with the alignment of the spine and good posture and the exercises are designed to work with the hips, knees and shoulders aligned properly. Pilates teaches you about breathing with movement, body mechanics, co-ordination, strength and flexibility. Therefore as a result the exercises are very precise and when good technique is achieved it will condition the body into moving and looking better.
There are numerous benefits including looking longer and leaner! It can improve back problems, stiff shoulders and necks and injuries that are old and cold. It is also good for the mind as it is relaxing and most of the exercises are performed lying on the floor. Any age or fitness ability can do Pilates and the method can progress to become quite athletic and challenging as the body gets stronger. In the beginning it’s focus is on strengthening the deep core stabilizing muscles around the abdomen and back and correcting poor posture. Once this has been achieved the instructor will progress the client with a programme to suit the individuals needs.
Pilates undoes everything bad that life does to your body and results in a healthy strong and better body.
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