Pilates is a mainstream form of stretching and strengthening exercise, targeting posture and core strength to create a strong centre. From this stable base, Pilates develops muscles uniformly rather than favouring a specific part of the body. The focus is on ‘moving’ rather than holding postures, improving joint mobility and muscle flexibility within safe ranges of motion and in a coordinated way. By increasing body awareness and exercise technique, Pilates encourages healthy muscle recruitment for exercise and everyday living.
Pilates is endorsed by clinic practitioners worldwide and used internationally by Olympic level sportspeople. In a clinical setting, Pilates makes use of moving equipment based on a pulley and spring principle to assist with demanding exercises, making it ideal for all ages and all levels of fitness. Pilates works favourably for referrals from sports clubs - for those wanting to improve their exercise/sport technique - and equally for those suffering from work related postural problems - such as deskbound office workers.
Sport and Remedial massage therapy assists in rehabilitation from soft tissue problems. Mixed-mode Pilates is a combined remedial massage and equipment-based treatment offering a comprehensive approach to recovery from injury and chronic postural problems, releasing tension in muscles and re-educating them through exercise.
Ashdown Pilates prides itself on offering small and friendly local group courses. We offer weekly daytime and evening classes, from Introductory to level 3. Class size is limited to 8-10 members allowing the instructor to check each client throughout the class. The small group setting also means a wide range of exercises can be learnt accurately and safely using apparatus such as resistive bands, stability rollers, free-weights, fitness circles and balls.
In some cases it may be preferable to attend a series of one-to-one sessions before joining group classes. If you have been referred by a medical specialist, or have particular remedial goals, we highly recommend personal supervision before joining a group. Your teacher can advise you on this. Sessions are available locally at Sussex Osteopath and Complementary Health Clinic or at the Ashdown Pilates home studio. Sessions may be either Pilates instruction, massage treatment, or a combination where appropriate. You may wish to book a short course of appointments to cover the basics before joining a group class, you may wish to use Pilates alongside other treatments or you might just prefer a personal training environment, enhancing your workout.
Ashdown Pilates sessions are taught by a highly trained and fully qualified member of the Body Control Pilates Association, registered at level 3 (advanced) on the Register of Exercise Professionals. Certificated by Body Control Pilates and Polestar Pilates UK, our instructor has worked with dancers, sports people and the general public. She is a London School of Sport and Remedial Massage Therapist and a member of the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage. She has gained considerable clinical experience and is always updating her knowledge by regularly attending professional development courses in Pilates technique and Bodywork.