The cold weather is coming, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your summer body. October’s move of the month is one to tone your abs and perfect your balancing skills, both necessary steps to maintaining a healthy and stabilised core. The Single Leg Scooter Combo, while not from traditional Pilates, focuses on moving your legs and controlling your breathing while contracting your whole abdominal wall. This one’s slightly tough so be sure to follow the steps below exactly: 1. Start in a plank position, keeping your shoulders broad, your back straight and your neck naturally outst ..read more

For most pregnant women it is recommended that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most, if not all, days of the week. This doesn’t mean a harsh sprint or going overboard Olympic weightlifting, moderate and controlled exercise is proven to help maintain the well being of you and your baby and can often have positive effects on the labour experience. Pilates is an example of exercise that heavily features moves focusing on strength, balance and flexibility, with research suggesting that Pilates can be just as effective as pelvic floor exercises. It targets the specific muscles that can ..read more

With the prep ab and twist exercises, you may be lying down, but you won’t be relaxing. This exercise is great for several parts of the body, whilst toning your abdominal muscles and helping with important bodily functions such as pelvic stability. This is an effective way of using spinal flexion to increase the strength of your hips and lower spine, and is an exercise that a lot of specialists will recommend for treating back pain. You’ll feel this one in your lower back and entire abdominal wall. To begin, lie on your back with your fingers intertwined and your hands placed behind your hea ..read more

At Newcastle Pilates, we understand that the method is well known for being excellent at rehabilitating injuries, fighting off aches and pains, and to help tone and strengthen your body. But what some people don’t realise is the benefits of Pilates go far beyond that. It also helps strengthen your mind. Pilates may involve the movement of your body, but it also requires controlling your mind. There are multiple places your head needs to be at once, including; knowing where every part of your body is in the space around you, breathing at a certain pace, slowing down and speeding up when necess ..read more

August is all about the ABS! After all many of us will be donning our smalls for a beachside holiday, so what better time to chisel them into shape. A classic Pilates move, our latest move of the month ‘The Hundred’ is performed in almost every class, due to the fact it was one of the very first mat based moves listed in Joseph Pilates method. The move is an ABS-olute challenge that warms up the lungs and the core and requires strength and gracefulness at the same time. Recruiting the abdominals, laterals and enforcing scapular and trunk stabilization, your whole body stands to attention when ..read more

Here at Newcastle Pilates, our physio led classes aren’t just for fun. Of course, there is plenty of it, but we pride ourselves on delivering classes that help our clients reach their goals and overcome their physical obstacles. Far more than an exercise regime, Pilates offers total body and mind rejuvenation and to show you how we’ve broken it down from the P to the S! POSTURE: Invented in the 1920’s by Joseph Pilates, this exercise was designed to be rehabilitative rather than sporting. By re-aligning the spine, Josephs philosophy was that every other body component would follow suit, thus ..read more

If you’re looking to tone up from the waist down, ready to slip into last summer’s shorts, then there are few moves as effective as the standing Pilates squat. Working the legs, glutes and that all-important powerhouse that is the core, this move is ideal for re-aligning your spine and firming up the lower body. As with many Pilates moves, it may look simple but when executed properly with control and awareness, it provides a rigorous and thorough workout. To begin stand up straight with your feet just outside of your hips, toes pointing forward and your chest elevated. Squeeze your glutes a ..read more

Contrary to what you may think, Pilates is an all-inclusive exercise that suits all manner of people regardless of age, fitness level or gender. As an exercise that targets the entire body with low impact movements, even those with injuries can undertake a class and it may even help speed up recovery. Unlike traditional ‘sports’ like football or netball, thanks to its simplicity Pilates is suitable for all ages, from young children right through to elderly adults. Youngsters While the popularity of Pilates in amongst adults is well known, it also offers a range of health benefits for children ..read more

Another Month another Move! In June we’re examining an ab-busting exercise called The Crossover that works the abdominals as well as the internal and external obliques, exercising the entire core. If like many you long for washboard abs then the crossover is your starting block! But remember, strength in the core isn’t just about looking good, it’s about supporting your back and as always, perfecting your posture. The Crossover is a variation on a traditional crunch and although it is considered a beginner’s move in Pilates, high repetitions and intense abdominal engagement make this move a ch ..read more

People all over the world are familiar with Pilates and the posture perfecting abilities that repeated practice can bring. Becoming somewhat ‘trendy’ over the last few years, many have experienced increased physical fitness, added strength and improved flexibility thanks to the technique. But it is also fast rising in other sectors outside of fitness; Pilates is now gaining traction as a way for people to rehabilitate from injuries. Bringing Back Balance Most injuries are caused by muscular imbalances within the body and many things can cause them. Our posture, the way we walk, sit, bend or ex ..read more