Pilates is a system of physical and mental conditioning developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. It utilizes the mind-body connection and challenges the body to work in optimum movement patterns thereby correcting body alignment, posture and balance. The 6 Pilates principles; Centering, Control, Concentration, Breath, Precision and flowing Movement permeate all exercises and guide the body to work with optimum efficiency. The great diversity of exercises on the mat and equipment add variety in each workout and allows Pilates to be practiced by anyone and everyone.

Practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing; strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, and coordination – both muscular and mental – are key components in an effective Pilates program. Posture, balance and core strength are all significantly increased. Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of one’s life.

The Pilates method is now practiced in many countries in the world. It continues to have a profound impact due to its mind-body-spirit connection as well as its numerous benefits including: increased body awareness, coordination, a fitter leaner physique, spinal flexibility, improved posture and strengthened abdominals.

‘It was conceived to limber and stretch muscles and ligaments so that your body will be as supple as that of a cat…’ – Joseph Pilates.

To give you the best possible start Body Contrology recommends a minimum of 2 to 3 Private Pilates sessions, to begin with, or We recommend you start with the studio starter back if you are a complete beginner to Pilates. These will form the base of your assessment and allow us to guide you through the Pilates Method and also match you with an appropriate group.

You may then choose of course to continue with Private sessions which are completely individualized, or you may want to join a studio group. This is a small group, between 3-4 people who are of similar ability and level.

We also offer mat classes and Barre Pilates. these do not require private assessment.

For Personal Training and nutrition coaching, you will need to book an initial consultation to discuss your fitness level, health, lifestyle, and goals. then we work together on the best plan to suit you.

The next step is to call us and make a booking or clarify any questions you may have on: 0404 634 501. Or you can email Maisa at maisa@bodycontrology.com.au

Wear something you feel comfortable to work out in. It can range from tights to tracksuit pants, from singlets to t-shirts. Very loose shorts are not always the best option as sometimes your legs will be up in the air.

No shoe policy. For studio Pilates classes please wear socks or purchase grip socks at the studio.

We encourage bare feet training during all our fitness sessions, unless it is outdoor training, or you have special orthotics to wear all time. Please discuss this with your trainer.

You can bring water or purchase it at the studio, the only thing you will need to bring is a small towel to use it for your head support if you like and a good attitude.

In general, Your aim should be to work out 2 – 3 times a week. This may be exclusively Pilates, as our sessions constitute a full body workout, or you may choose to add Pilates to your current exercise routine. Pilates will compliment and enhance all other activities.

If you are just starting Pilates, we recommend to train at least twice a week, as getting used to be in a good alignment might feel weird at the beginning, so the more you practice with us the easier it gets.

If you are after weight loss, then 5 hours a week of exercise is the minimum requirement for a good result. You can discuss your goals with your trainer to decide the best plan for you.

Beginners can start on either Apparatus or in a beginner Mat class if scheduled. To start with the Apparatus, you will need to do a few private sessions so that we can assess your level and also get you familiarized with the Apparatus. Your Instructor can then guide you to an appropriate level of semi (a group of up to 4 participants using a variety of Pilates Apparatus). or you can just start with the starter package.

Through our experience with some total beginners clients, it was worth it for them to start first with the studio package where they learn the ground principles of pilates and can understand what to do during a Mat class when they join.

You may also choose to start in a Mat or Barre class. These are group classes and are therefore not suited if you have an injury or any other specific concerns.

If you are unsure, you can always contact the studio on: 0404 634 501 and speak with an Instructor who will be happy to help.

There are a number of reasons why we believe it is important for new students to participate in private instruction prior to beginning group classes. Private sessions provide us the opportunity to determine your personal alignment issues, strengths and weaknesses, and whether you will need modifications in order to benefit from group instruction. Your first few sessions are also important to give you a basic foundation of the Pilates principles, safe use of the equipment, correct form, and careful progression of the exercises.

A lot of crucial information will be covered in your initial sessions. This information includes the concepts of breathing, spine placement, and stabilization of the pelvis, scapula (shoulder) and cervical (neck) joints as well as the ribcage. In addition to these concepts, you will learn about spinal articulation and activation your deep stabilizing muscles, which include the pelvic floor, transversus abdominis and multifidus muscles. The instruction will also introduce you to the exercises and teach you to intentionally coordinate the movements in each exercise. An understanding of these concepts will allow you maximize your progress in group classes and maintain the flow of the class. Pilates is not like other forms of exercise, and we feel confident that our clients will appreciate and benefit from the investment in initial private instruction sessions.

Pilates workouts focus primarily on increasing strength and flexibility and are not usually done as a form of cardio/aerobic exercise, which is more effective at burning calories along with weights and, therefore, enhancing weight loss. There are, however, some benefits from Pilates that support weight loss. For example, Pilates exercises create lean muscle mass, which increases the body’s calorie-burning potential. Pilates also promotes efficient respiration, which is essential for calorie burning and tissue regeneration. Finally, correctly performed, Pilates exercises result in improved posture, which can leave you looking longer and leaner. So, if you are looking to lose weight, combining Pilates with aerobic/cardio exercise, by adding to your program personal training session or joining Barre Pilates class, will help you maximize weight loss.

While Looking after your health and body are not considered as a cost, it is more of an investment in your health, we understand that some have financial blockages.

For Pilates only, you can claim from your private health insurance if you can provide them with a referral from your doctor.

Please check with your private health funds as each one has a different policy.

Unfortunately, Medicare, Puba doesn’t cover Pilates or fitness training unless you join one of their members, or you do your classes at a physiotherapist.

Starting from 2019 Pilates is no longer covered by any health insurance.