BIRDWAVE PILATES
Pilates Coaching in Cheshire, Specialist Equestrian Pilates and FitSteps Instructor
Birdwave Pilates during COVID 19
Birdwave Pilates continue to deliver a mixture of classes via Zoom and face to face as COVID-19 restrictions are eased please contact me to find out more
Body Control Pilates
Body Control Pilates is renowned as a world-leading education provider for Pilates teaching. It offers a comprehensive programme, adapted from ‘classical’ exercises developed by Joseph Pilates.
In order to gain the full benefits of Pilates, these classical exercises are broken down to establish good movement skills thus building the best possible foundation upon which to progress to towards the classical, more advanced work. This is the essence of the Body Control Pilates Method. Body Control Pilates is remarkably effective – and medically-approved. Central to the Method is ‘awareness of your own body’ and each and every exercise is built around its eight basic principles:
Concentration
Through concentration and focus on the detail and precision of the exercises performed, it will help you develop greater body awareness and control, which in turn will ultimately become automatic, bringing about unconscious improvement to the way your body moves in everyday life.
Relaxation
In order to allow constructive change to occur, relaxation of the mind and body is an essential part of any Pilates session. As you focus on completely on your movements, your mind feels relaxed and free from stress.
Alignment
Precision of movement is key to good Pilates practice. Through correct alignment at the start of and throughout the movement, sound recruitment patterns are encouraged and the joints remain healthy.
Breathing
Breathing is the essence of life itself and is a movement process in its own right. Synchronising the breath to movements and learning how to breathe more effectively within the movements helps both the mind and body to relax, recharge and focus.
Centring
All Pilates movements stem from a strong centre. Staying centred involves using appropriate muscles to stabilise your core. This should be both dynamic and responsive, reflecting the demands of the movement being performed.
Coordination
Each movement in a Pilates exercise should be performed purposefully with control. Through focusing on the quality and detail of each movement, coordination, control, mobility, strength and the overall efficiency of the whole body are improved more effectively.
Flowing movements
You will be taught how to articulate your spine through flexion, extension, side flexion and rotation, learning how to move the spine bone by bone. Similarly, you will be mobilising your joints, taking them through their normal ranges of movement. The end result is longer, leaner muscles that are stronger through their entire range and the movements are controlled, graceful and flowing, lengthening outwards from a strong centre.
Stamina
Pilates exercises are usually performed for a low number of repetitions as the focus is always on quality, not quantity. As you master each exercise, you will learn a new movement skill, and subsequently you can add more challenging exercises, which will in turn build muscular endurance and stamina into your body.
*Above content from the book ‘The pilates bible’ by Lynne Robinson, Lisa Bradshaw and Nathan Gardner.
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About Mahani
Professional Pilates Teacher
Mahani is a qualified Body Control Pilates teacher – Body Control Pilates is Europe’s largest professional Pilates organisation. They are a level 4 Pilates training provider in the UK and have been at the forefront of international Pilates since 1995 and are widely seen as offering the benchmark for safe and effective teaching. Following the comprehensive training and an ongoing programme of continuous education, Mahani strives to provide you the highest quality of teaching.
Body Control Pilates Accreditation
Equipilates™
Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity
FitSteps Instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
How to book and pay
You can now book online via GymCatch or contact Mahani by phone 07846 067502 or email at info@birdwavepilates.co.uk.
What to expect
Classes are informal and friendly. You won’t be asked to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable – exercises are based around slow, small movements, gentle stretching and breathing. But you may leave feeling as though you’ve had a good stretch and workout!
What to bring/wear
Just wear light comfortable clothes that protect your modesty and are easy to move around in. However, for health and safety, all clients are required to wear socks. Mahani has all the equipment Mats, cushions, balls, bands etc…
Why do doctors and physiotherapists recommend Pilates?
Lots of aches and pains are as a result of a weak core and poor posture. Health professionals often recommend Pilates because every exercise uses your core muscles and focuses on good body alignment.
How big are the classes?
There is a maximum of 12 people per class. This ensures everyone receives a good level of attention and feels supported.
Do I need to be very flexible to do Pilates?
No, in fact, many people do Pilates to improve their flexibility.
What does Pilates do that other types of exercise don’t?
Pilates is more dynamic than yoga but less aggressive, sweaty and high-impact than aerobics, jogging or gym-work, which, unlike Pilates, can all place damaging strain on the joints and/or heart.
Pilates helps you achieve good, natural posture by strengthening the centre of the body so that it supports your lower back, helping you to stand straight and hold your upper body correctly.
Whereas other forms of exercise promise ‘no gain without pain’, Pilates is a gentle, non-aerobic exercise method, which produces a healthy, toned, mobile body and calm, relaxed mind – and so proves the existence of gain without pain.
HOW TO BOOK
You can book online via our website for our classes.
Alternatively contact Mahani by phone 07846 067502 or email at info@birdwavepilates.co.uk.
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