What is Pilates ?

Pilates is a non-impact form of body conditioning developed by Joseph H Pilates from his interest in self defence, gymnastics, western and eastern forms of exercise and work with dancers.

Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, you will do fewer, more precise movements, requiring you to develop control and form through increases in coordination, balance, strength and flexibility.

This creates an effective and efficient form of exercise that in turn develops a body that works effectively and efficiently.

Pilates Life Classes by Phil James

In the hour long Pilates Life mat classes you will take control of your body with the proven Pilates Method exercises and the latest Posture and Flexibility (now Stretch Therapy) based stretches. Body control requires two essential elements flexibility and strength but it needs to be intelligently applied strength which comes from being able to target and engage specific muscles to either move or stabilize parts of your body during an exercise. This ability to apply your strength in an effective manner is a part of what you will learn at Pilates Life.

The Pilates Life Foundation Course is designed for the beginner student an emphasis is on the technical aspects of both the Pilates Method exercises and Posture & Flexibility stretches. It is this technique that makes the exercises and stretches extremely effective and efficient. read more about the different classes …

Instructors Profile – Phil James

Phil initially became interested in ways to increase strength and flexibility through martial arts later he was introduced to Pilates while completing a Certificate 3 in Performance Skills. As a Registered Nurse he developed an interest in optimizing health through preventive measures particularly through the use of exercise. Phil has a passion for teaching methods of increasing strength, flexibility and body control through Pilates and Posture and Flexibility stretching techniques. After gaining his Pilates instructors qualification he continues ongoing study in stretching and Pilates. He is also convinced of the benefits of Pilates exercises and stretching in the alleviation of many physical problems and is pursuing further study in this area.
Pilates Instructor (mat and studio equipment)
Stretch Teacher
Stretch Therapist
Mat Instructor Certificate 4

“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.” – Joseph Pilates

Principles of Pilates

Through Pilates you will learn to integrate breathing techniques, core stabilization, mental focus and precise movements into a free flowing exercise.

Benefits of Pilates

• Your stamina will increase.
• The Pilates techniques used to engage stabilizing muscles will also improve your posture.
• Pilates movements improve your overall flexibility and spinal mobility.
• Muscles work intensely but you are not exhausted after a workout you leave refreshed.
• The body changes that you develop are functional – they can be applied to day to day living.
• Develops core muscles – real strength from the inside out.
• Correct muscle imbalances by strengthening and stretching.
• Doesn’t overload any one part of your body but works it as whole.
• Pilates in conjuction with a healthy diet will assist you in weight loss.
• Stimulates the immune system.

Principles of Stretching

Posture & Flexibility (now Stretch Therapy) based stretching is a system that includes stretching, strengthening, re-patterning, and relaxation. It is a safe and efficient method to improve flexibility and was developed by Kit Laughlin.

About Stretch Therapy

“Stretch Therapy (ST) is a comprehensive system that includes stretching, fascial remodelling, strengthening, neural re-patterning, and relaxation. The goals are grace and ease in the body, and this is experienced as enhanced awareness and elegance in movement.

Applications of the ST approach span rehabilitation of specific physical problems, through development of more efficient alignment and movement patterns, all the way to improvement of elite athletic performance. Everyone will find themselves somewhere on this continuum!”
– Kit Laughlin

Benefits of Stretch Therapy

(ST) can be used as a rehabilitation tool and has been succesfully used to treat many physical problems created by tight muscles. Sessions are private allowing an individual assessment of your needs and a personal program of stretches and strengthening.

Benefits of Stretching

• Nothing like a stretch to make you feel good – a great way to start or finish the day.
• Improve daily functioning. It will give you back control of your body.
• You can achieve a greater range of movement – frees up the body.
• Alleviate pain
• Increasing flexibility improves all sporting pursuits.
• Removes toxins from the muscles

Contact Pilates Life for further information and to book your class.New students please fill in an Enrolment form.