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MAT PILATES V REFORMER PILATES
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We take Pilates very seriously for its benefits and feel
this is best delivered in an easy, friendly atmosphere to
create a relaxed mind and relaxed body which work in
harmony. After all the exercise you enjoy is the
exercise you are likely to continue.
Do you want to get ski fit, golf fit or run fit? Pilates
Harmony can help you increase your core strength and
stability, improve your balance, improve coordination,
improve flexibility and create longer leaner muscles to
improve your sports performance.
Pilates exercises are based upon 5 basic principles that
when used correctly together create exercise that is
safe and effective. In each and very exercise we
focus on:
•Breathing technique to focus the mind, relax the body
and actively engage the deep stabilising muscles.
•Pelvic Placement because stabilisation of the pelvis in
neutral encourages efficient movement patterns.
•Rib cage placement and focus upon maintaining the rib
cage and thoracic spine in good stable alignment.
•Scapular Movement and Stabilisation. Due to their lack
of bony attachment the shoulders are very mobile,
without good scapular stabilisation there is a tendency
to over work the muscles around the neck and shoulders.
•Head and cervical placement to focus on maintaining
the natural curve of the spine and release pressure
from the neck and shoulders.
Whether you choose mat, reformer
or a combination of the two we will
focus on the five basic principles of
Pilates described above throughout
your workout.
Mat work is a great place to learn
the basic principles. Combined
those five basic principles create efficient movement and breathing patterns.
On the mat we can improve the
body’s core strength, endurance
and control to improve your posture
and balance. Once the basics are
understood then your choice
between mat work or reformer depends upon your specific
requirements and goals. Group
classes are programmed to suit all
members of class, providing
variations to suit ability in a mixed
group where appropriate.
Pilates Personal training sessions
are ideal for more targeted results
and may incorporate a mix of both mat and reformer depending on
your requirements, ability and goals.
The Pilates Reformer is a large piece of static equipment located in our Broomfield studio which can be used to isolate muscle groups and work muscles more deeply using spring resistance. It can be used during
Pilates personal training sessions by all ages and abilities due to its versatility. The reformer can provide gentle support and assistance or challenge big muscle groups to help tone and define. As reformers are
not limited to or restricted by bodyweight as with the mat counterparts. The reformer machine really does offer something for everyone. All exercises are
performed with the five basic
Pilates principles in mind to help improve posture, strengthen your core, improve balance and tone the whole body.
If you have specific requirements
or goals and want to see quicker
results then the reformer is for you.
What do I wear?
We suggest that you wear loose fitting or stretchy clothing to allow a good range of movement, avoiding
clothing with zips and buttons on the back. Pilates is performed either bare foot or in socks so there is
no need for special foot wear.
I have never done Pilates before, is that ok?
Each Pilates Harmony course starts with a “back to basics” session in the first week where we go at a slower pace
so no previous experience is necessary. However, we do strongly suggest that a one to one session is beneficial
to anyone that has not done Pilates before or is returning from a break, during this one to one we can explain the
basic principles in more detail to enable you to experience the full benefits and feel more confident in the class
from the very start.
How do I know if Pilates is right for me?
Pilates is a very safe effective form of exercise that is suitable for most people. We suggest that you contact us
at Pilates Harmony on 01245 440 246 or 07917341657 to have a chat. If we feel it is beneficial we may seek
your authority to speak with your GP/treating consultant or therapist to establish whether there are any
movements that they wish for you to avoid.
