Pilates Classes (Matwork)

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise and conditioning created by Joseph Pilates in America in the early 1900's. His aim was to help dancers, gymnasts and boxers, amongst others, to excel in their fields, by strengthening abdominal and back muscles, and by increasing flexibility, thereby improving posture and reducing the risk of back problems or injuries.

The use of Pilates techniques was then extended to non sports professionals, in order to correct postural problems by stabilising the core muscles of the trunk. At the time, most of these problems were due to people standing at work for too long - seventy years on, we need corrective action due to sitting all day! The A-B-C of Pilates is alignment, balance and coordination - an understanding of these in your one hour of Pilates can then instil an awareness of them for the remaining 23 hours per day.

To learn more about Pilates click here

 

Pilates Classes

Pilates is offered either on a one-to-one basis, or in a small class environment. Class size will be typically no more than 12, depending on the venue - this is to allow a high level of coach/participant interaction and to cater for each individual's needs, such as exercise modification for medical conditions,etc.

Pilates classes will be offered at a number of levels, depending on the prior experience of each participant.

Introduction to Pilates courses, for those with little or no Pilates training, are of 5 weeks duration. These courses, costing £35 per block, run regularly throughout the year - please refer to the booking form for times and availability. Improver and Intermediate courses are of 10 weeks' duration, costing £68 per block. Please note costs shown are typical and may be lower at some venues

On completion, participants move up through Improver & Intermediate levels.

   

Pilates Personal Training

One-to-one sessions, or "small group" sessions of 2-3 participants, can be very beneficial in order to gain a sound knowledge of the key Pilates principles:

•  optimal alignment / posture

•  relaxed, controlled breathing

•  correct muscle recruitment patterns

This sound base will allow you to get the most out of you Pilates practice, under the supervision and encouragement of your personal training coach. This approach is ideal for those with a busy lifestyle, or for those who wish to improve their personal awareness and practice of Pilates prior to enrolling in a block of classes. It is also an essential approach for those with more severe medical issues such as specific back problems.

The benefits of a one-to-one approach include:

•  improved posture, balance and co-ordination

•  decrease in back pain

•  a change in body shape - the waist narrows and the stomach flattens

•  an increase in flexibility and strength

 

Prices for Pilates Personal Training

Discounts available for block bookings.

 

  

Your Pilates Coaches

Debbie Hanson is a highly qualified professional exercise instructor who is well-respected in the industry. She is a personal trainer, lecturer, and teaches a wide range of exercise forms, including Pilates, children's yoga and Hatha Yoga. Debbie is a tutor and assessor for Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ). Mandy Robertson and Fred Jamieson assist with course delivery. Jean Shanks, Judy Rintoul, Allison Spears, Sara Wood and Jenni Bruce make up the Pilates Instructor team.

 

Your Pilates Venue

TIME	VENUE	LEVEL
MONDAY
19.00 - 20.00	Dechmont Memorial Hall
TUESDAY
19.30-20.30	Balerno High School	Improvers
WEDNESDAY
11.30-12.30	Kirkliston Leisure Centre	General (Extend!)
18.45-19.45	Springfield Primary School, Linlithgow	Improvers
19.45-20.45	Springfield Primary School, Linlithgow	General (Extend!)
19.00-20.00	Deans Community High School, Livingston	Beginners
THURSDAY
09.15-10.15	Cross House, Linlithgow	General
13.00-14.00	Broxburn Sports Centre	General
18.30-19.30	Balerno High School	Beginners
18.30-19.30	Linlithgow Academy	Improvers
19.30-20.30	Linlithgow Academy	Beginners
19.30-20.30	Balerno High School	Intermediate
20.30-21.30	Balerno High School	Beginners
FRIDAY
09.30-10.30	Community Centre, Bathgate	50+ Group
09.15-10.15	Cross House, Linlithgow	General
10.30-11.30	Community Centre, Bathgate	50+ Beginners

 

Bookings

Can be made by calling 01506 891908, or email hansonpilates@btinternet.com

 

What do I need?

Pilates is largely mat-based exercise - mats will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing, in layers, to allow for temperature fluctuations. You will not need trainers for these classes, socks or bare feet are fine.

Please bring a large towel to place over your mat for hygiene reasons, and a small towel which may be useful for support of your head or back.

You may also wish to bring some water to maintain hydration levels.

 

Aims of Pilates

•  Abdominal conditioning, toning both tummy and waist

•  Improved posture - to stand taller and look leaner

•  Back strengthening and stability

•  Increased mobility at stiff or inflexible joints

•  A more efficient use of the lungs to assist breathing.

 

In short, to give you a better body, through better body awareness

 

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Corporate, Schools & Healthclubs

Hanson Pilates provides a wide range of health and fitness-related services to community groups , lottery funded charities , schools and also large corporate organisations.

 

In terms of on-site exercise we can offer -

•  yoga, Pilates, aerobics, step, body conditioning classes

•  personal fitness training and fitness/nutritional counselling

•  staff in-service activities and taster sessions

 

Other popular activities include complementary therapy sessions, either for the individual or group workshops in -

•  aromatherapy

•  reflexology

•  stress awareness and management

•  Indian head massage

 

For Community Groups and Lottery Funded Charities-

Hanson Pilates can offer taster sessions and block bookings for specific client groups, such as 50 plus, specific medical conditions, pre and post natal, back care clinics.

 

For schools-

Hanson Pilates can provide these services as in-service workshops, after-school classes for staff, and pupil taster sessions.

 

For Corporates-

Hanson Pilates offers lunchtime and after work sessions in the above fitness and heath-related topics, and tailored staff development events from 2hrs to 2 days' duration.

 

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