Pilates & Personal Training offered by Vernyoga

Pilates Personal Tuition

It is crucial to grasp the foundational principles of Pilates before advancing to intermediate or advanced levels of practice. The fundamentals are not merely introductory steps; they are the core elements that ensure Pilates is both effective and safe. Engaging in exercises without a solid understanding of these basics can lead to improper form and technique, which may exacerbate any existing back discomfort or lead to new injuries. The structured progression of Pilates is designed to build strength, flexibility, and control gradually, allowing the body to adapt and respond positively to the movements. Without this careful approach, practitioners may find themselves at risk of strain or injury, particularly in sensitive areas such as the back.

Over the years, I have encountered numerous individuals who have expressed their frustration and pain, stating that Pilates has caused discomfort in their backs. Upon further inquiry into their experiences, it becomes evident that many of them were performing exercises that are not suitable for their specific conditions or were engaging in sequences that are typically reserved for those with more advanced training. Often, these individuals had bypassed the essential beginner courses or failed to utilize necessary modifications tailored to their needs. Such oversights can lead to a misunderstanding of how to properly execute movements, ultimately resulting in physical discomfort rather than the intended benefits of the practice.

Therefore, while Pilates is indeed a remarkable form of exercise that offers numerous benefits, it is imperative to approach the practice with patience and respect for its structured progression. Rushing into advanced techniques without the appropriate groundwork can be counterproductive and even harmful. Engaging in private sessions is often the most effective way to thoroughly learn and understand these foundational principles. In a one-on-one setting, instructors can provide personalized guidance, ensuring that each movement is performed correctly and safely. Once a solid foundation is established through these private lessons, participants can then confidently transition into group classes, where they can continue to develop their skills alongside others. This method not only enhances individual understanding but also fosters a supportive community environment that encourages growth and improvement.

Benefits of Yoga and Pilates, separate or as combined

1. Your body will become better aligned to prevent imbalances and improve posture. This is particularly useful for sportsmen, for example: think of a tennis player constantly hitting the ball using the same arm or a golfer always swinging from the same side.

2. You will become more body-aware and better coordinated, improving your skills of proprioception - the sequencing of movement and your body finding it's place in space.

3. Your body will change shape for the better, giving you a longer, leaner, toned physique.

4. The space between your vertebrae will be increased which will minimise pressure on discs and nerves.  There is no question that Pilates will prevent back problems or teach you to manage them. (However, if in an acute phase of back pain or under a therapist, you must complete treatment with them first and have had your back pain properly checked out before attedning a class, to ensure there is nothing major going on with the spine, which may be contraindicated for practice).

5. You will build core and back strength to help support the spine and maintain good posture.

6. All muscles are worked on so that the whole body can work together rather than one area becoming overloaded.

7. The condition and strength of your pelvic floor will be greatly improved as the pelvic floor is part of the core, reducing incontinence problems. A huge problem and not just for women!

8. Flexibility and mobility will be substantially improved over time so that the body can move freely, without putting undue strain on the back.

9. Exercise increases the levels of serotonin and endorphins which promote feelings of wellbeing and meditation is now widely used as a way of dealing with depression. Yoga and Pilates are an excellent way to help you lead a happy, positive life.

10. You will learn how to breathe correctly and efficiently so that plenty of oxygen reaches every part of the body, especially the spine. Breathing relieves stress and can reduce high blood pressure as well as increasing energy.

Personal Fitness Training

As well as personal yoga tuition and therapy, other personal training modaities are offered too, depending on your requirements.

With several years experience in:-

Core Stability (yoga, pilates and barre based balance, flow and holding exercises)

Weight Training (free weights, resistance bands, Circuits, Bootcamps, LBT and own body resistance programmes)

Cardio (HIIT, Zumba, running, skipping, cycling, dancing, boxing, kicking, aerobics....).

All of these can be offered to you as personal one to one sessions. A consultation is a good idea to start off to discuss what your health and fitness goals are and then maybe one of the above or a combination.

A consultation can be via zoom, phone, or you can fill in the online health form under the home button and we can emaiolnif easier.