CLOTHING: Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move around in. Track-suit bottoms and a T-shirt are fine; you may find some exercises easier if wearing socks. Please note that the closer fitting your clothing, the easier it is for me to see what your body is doing and correct it if necessary. This means that you will get much more out of the exercises and progress more quickly than if wearing baggy clothing.
WATER: Please bring plenty of water as it is important to stay hydrated.
EQUIPMENT All mats and equipment are provided but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Both Pilates and yoga focus on developing strength, balance, flexibility, posture and good breathing technique. With its emphasis on the unity between the mind and body, yoga has a more spiritual side that Pilates does not. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase the strength and flexibility of the whole body) and breathing.
Pilates also uses breathing, but its exercises focus much more on precise movements to target specific parts of the body in order to strengthen the core. In turn this stabilises and strengthens the back and torso. The best Pilates classes are in small groups where the teacher can develop programmes that suit each individual person's strengths and weaknesses.
Never! It's never too late. Go slowly and you'll be amazed how much your muscles will respond. Check with your doctor before starting, just to be on the safe side.
I love to work with elderly clients as well as younger ones, because both are able to make such rapid progress and this can make a big difference to so many lives.
Don't worry about this too much especially at the very early stages of learning Pilates. Yes it is important to get the basics right but it can take at least 6 to 12 weeks to master and understand the principles behind some of these beginner exercises; especially the breathing patterns which work alongside the exercises.
In my experience most people who start Pilates struggle to learn the breathing patterns and then give up. The main thing to remember is to start mapping the exercise moves and if you are really struggling with the breathing, bring this element in later.
Don't panic! Half-way through the first term you are offered a discounted one-to-one private lesson to cover anything you may find challenging. Once the breathing element is no longer a problem, you will find yourself able to progress confidently towards Intermediate level.
Pilates programmes are individually designed to take into consideration the client's interests and lifestyle, and they are equally effective for men and women. Pilates can promote better technique in a chosen sport, whether it's tennis, golf or running.
It's true more women do Pilates to men however, Pilates can help to keep your muscles in balance. Pilates is invaluable for men of retirement age who haven't exercised in decades and want to get in shape safely, without risking injury.
Come on guys don't be shy!
Make sure your chair is close enough to your desk to keep your lower arms at right angles to your torso and that your computer screen is positioned at eye level. Your knees should be bent at right angles and feet flat on the floor.
Don't cross your legs! If you have to lean forwards, lean from the hips, not from the upper back and shoulders, don't spend more than 30 minutes in this position. Take frequent breaks to do some simple Pilates exercises.
Place a tennis ball between your upper body and the back of your chair. This will keep your shoulders and back upright. As you start to slouch at your desk you will loose contact with the ball (maybe the ball will fall out) in which case you know your posture has become compromised. Sit back up and use the ball to do some simple shoulder exercises or massage.
I know that sometimes life occurrences or unavoidable illness may mean that you're unable to attend therefore, it would be really helpful if you can let me know if you're not going to make a class ideally 24 hours before so that it allows me an opportunity to offer your space out to any individuals wishing to make up for a missed class.
I will offer you an alternative space in another class during the current term, but this is subject to availability. Once places are filled, I am sorry, but any missed classes will then become forfeit; refunds cannot be accepted.
This is important In order to make sure I am fully aware of any issues that you're experiencing or looking to overcome, it's vital that you complete my health questionnaire before joining a class.
Without a form you will not be able to join a class. This is for your own health and safety as well as meeting my insurance conditions.
First Class Workshops are designed for anyone who has missed the introductory stages of an already established course whether its a general mixed ability course or a special populations course.
For example, an established beginners course may have been progressing for some time and it is inevitable that someone may wish to start part-way through. This is what the First Class Workshops are designed for.
In the case of a brand new beginners course where everyone is starting at the same time the Workshop is incorporated into the first six weeks as part of the standard progression.
In essence the First Class Workshop is a mini course designed to teach you the first set of essential Pilates exercises perfectly along with the accompanying Pilates ABC Principles (Alignment, Breathing and Centring); after which you can transition over into the general classes.
Please note that as an extra this mini course also has a basic anatomy lecture incorporated in order to give you a better understanding of what Pilates is all about and how it works. The Workshop also provides an opportunity for you to sample Pilates, gain confidence and discuss any concerns you may have in private before transitioning over to your new class where your development will continue.
All pilates instructors should accept medical clearance before a client commences a special population's course.
This is not only for your own health and safety but it is necessary for the instructor's insurance cover. Although inconvenient due to time taken and sometimes hidden doctor's letter charges please note I have produced a standard letter that you can give to your GP which in the majority of cases does not incur charges.
If you present the letter to your GP during your general doctor's appointment the GP will usually sign & stamp it with no charge incurred as there is no correspondence for the GP to deal with.
If you feel you do not wish to get medical clearance then you will be asked to sign a form stating this is your decision and will have to take responsibility for your own health while participating in these classes and understand that the instructor is not liable for any injuries that may incur.
To register for courses or book treatment please contact me via email (Lois@dimaondpresspilates.com) or post to (29 Whitby Close, Farnborough, Hants, GU14 6TR).
Once I receive your correspondence I will contact you directly to introduce myself and arrange any First-Class Workshops, interviews, postural analysis requests and any other questions you may have.
After this consultation payments will become due (see payments for more information)
Classes usually consist of 6-week blocks, usually corresponding with the school term, sometimes the school term is 7 or 8 weeks in which case I will notify you and the fees adjust accordingly. All payments are to be paid in full by the first day of term.
Card payments, cheques and cash are the preferred method of payment.
Cash is accepted, however, please ensure the exact amount is put in an envelope with your name on as I do not carry change on the night to save time and keep classes punctual. This also enables me to identify the payment after class.
Bank transfers are also availiable and bank details will be given during the initial consultation or upon request.
If you wish to leave, I will be sad to see you go however out of respect please provide 6 weeks notice at the start of your last intended term. I ask this as courtesy to allow me time to find a replacement and also out of respect to your fellow colleagues should you be part of a private member set-price group as fees are being equally distributed (thank you for understanding).
GDPR
The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in May 2018. It stipulates that all businesses must seek consent from their customers to keep in touch and hold their data.
As a current or recent client, I would really like to carry on sending you regular emails with information on my Pilates classes and sessions, but I can only now do this with your consent. Upon joining you'll find the GDPR consent has been incorporated into the Medical Form and you will have an opportunity to choose your GDPR options upon completion of this form.
Please rest assured that I have never, and will never, pass your details on to third parties and will only contact you in direct relation to Pilates offerings. I only use the information supplied in your Medical Form for teaching purposes.
You can opt out of receiving emails or other communication from me at any time by emailing me. I will then remove you from my mailing list.
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