"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness."
Joseph Pilates
Pre & Postnatal Pilates
Pilates for Rehabilitation
Pilates for Seniors
Pilates can be really beneficial during pregnancy – easing back pain, releasing tension, strengthening the body in preparation for motherhood, and working on breathing and relaxation techniques for the birth. We offer private and semi-private lessons at our home boutique studio or in the comfort of your home.
After having a baby, it can be tricky to find time to look after yourself. At BalanceME Pilates, we offer private sessions for new mums with their babies, up to when the babies start moving. We will focus on recovering from pregnancy and birth, and slowly strengthening the body – particularly the abdominal muscles, to prevent back pain.
Underlying structural imbalances in the body may create on-going pain and difficulty with movement, leading to injuries. An accident or health condition may also have an impact on the body, developing specific injury or trauma. Pilates promotes an evenness in the musculature throughout the body, lengthening and strengthening muscles and re-educating the way you move. By targeting specific muscle groups, it helps to correct dysfunctional movement patterns, and improve body and postural awareness. Whether you are recovering from a surgery, suffering with chronic pain (neck, back, shoulders, knee) or have suffered a specific injury, Pilates can help you to recover and manage pain.
Physical activity and exercise can help you stay healthy, energetic and independent as you get older. Regular exercise and an active lifestyle can lower the risk of serious conditions such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Some of the benefits of Pilates include improved bone strength; improved balance and body awareness, which helps to prevent falls; improved joint mobility; stronger muscles and increased flexibility; and strength of the spine. Whatever your age or fitness level, Pilates is the perfect type of exercise, as it can be modified to accommodate a variety of needs and conditions.
Pilates for Runners
Pilates for Tennis
Pilates for Cyclists
Running can put a strain on joints, cause your muscles to overwork, and restrict your breathing. Lots of people give up running after suffering from running-related injuries. Everyone has a unique running style, and sometimes a slight imbalance can create long-term problems. Pilates improves core stability and encourages a healthy posture – two important requisites for functional running. It targets deep core muscles that support the spine, allowing for an improved posture and more efficient running. Exercises also target the glutes and inner thighs, muscles commonly neglected in runners. With time, core strength improves, leading to a better posture and a more efficient run.
Tennis requires strength, speed, endurance, and power, but also mobility, flexibility, balance, and control. All these components must be considered and addressed to support and enhance a player’s development. Players can easily over-develop one side of the body, creating imbalances that may lead to injuries. Pilates helps tennis players to work on pelvic and shoulder stability, allowing the trunk to rotate safely; strengthening the wrists; improving the flexibility and mobility of the spine and hip, to enhance energy transfer, and many other benefits.
Long periods on the bike cause imbalances in the body, which over time can lead to injuries, derail your training and prevent you from performing at your best.
Regular Pilates helps with key elements of cycling, such as endurance, strength and flexibility. Targeted exercises can improve body awareness, posture, mobility and flexibility, which lead to more comfort and efficiency on the bike. For example, spine and hip mobility allow for a lower position on the bike, which is crucial for improving aerodynamics; core strength allows the spine to maintain a stable position while the limbs move, increasing the power output and preventing numerous injuries.