Mat Pilates Leith
Classes in Mat Pilates in Leith. Mat Pilates at Tidal Yoga is a welcoming practice suitable for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Whether you are new to exercise, returning after a break, or looking to enhance your existing fitness routine,
Pilates with Melanie
This full body low impact class suits every size, shape and experience level, focusing on core strength, balance and flexibility. Melanie emphasises feeling good in your body while nurturing connection, dynamic movements and smooth connections. Modifications are encouraged to meet you where you are.
Fridays 17:30 -18:30
Pilates with Nancy
Primarily mat-based poses, where stretches are held for three or more minutes to target connective tissue (joints, ligaments, tendons, etc.). More activation of your parasympathetic nervous system — “rest and digest” — through the Yin practice, resulting in a very restful experience yet with plenty of sensation, space creation, and freeing and shifting of energy throughout.
Fridays 09:30 – 10:30
What is Pilates?
Mat Pilates is a form of exercise that consists of a series of controlled movements designed to improve core strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. These movements are typically held for a specific duration to challenge the muscles and build strength over time.
Pilates exercises are mainly performed on a mat in a supine or sitting position. This allows you to stay connected to the ground and focus on proper alignment and engagement of your core muscles. Key exercises include planks, side planks, and a variety of core-focused movements that enhance strength and stability.
Where did Pilates originate?
Mat Pilates has its roots in an exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates, a German fitness innovator. During his internment at a camp on Jersey in World War I, he created Pilates as an exercise system to help maintain his own fitness and that of his fellow internees. His method has since evolved into a globally popular form of exercise that emphasises the biomechanics of the human body and how it moves.
Pilates is characterised by small, precise movements performed with control and repeated for a set number of repetitions. As your strength and endurance improve, you can increase the number of repetitions so Pilates can progressively offer more challenge. This structured approach not only helps build physical strength but also fosters a deep mind-body connection.
Key Features of Pilates
CLASSES IN PILATES LEITH
The central focus of Pilates is the core, which includes not only your abdominal muscles but also your lower back, sides, and pelvic region. This area serves as the powerhouse of the body, supporting and stabilising movement in other parts of the body. Many of the exercises involve using your limbs to create additional resistance, which also helps build strength in your arms and legs.
The exercises are generally performed in a supine (lying down) or sitting position. This means you don’t need to worry about balance and can focus on using the proper technique. It also minimises the risk of injury.
Pilates can be challenging, as it often targets smaller muscle groups that may not be activated during other forms of exercise. You will need to maintain concentration during the class – to engage specific muscles while coordinating your movements with your breath.
This level of focus can feel demanding but it is also very rewarding as you develop your technique.
Regular practice of Pilates helps to improve your body’s alignment and posture. By training your muscles to work in harmony, it encourages efficient movement patterns and reduces the likelihood of strain or injury.
What is Pilates Good For?
CLASSES IN PILATES LEITH
Pilates is a particularly useful form of exercise if you want to strengthen your deep core muscles, including the pelvic floor. By focusing on these muscles, it provides essential support to the spine and can alleviate back pain, which is why many people are advised to try Pilates when they experience discomfort in this area.
The method’s emphasis on small, controlled movements helps stabilise joints, making it an excellent complement to other forms of exercise. Strengthened joints are less prone to injury, and this stability can enhance performance in sports or other physical activities.
Pilates also promotes flexibility by passively stretching the muscles during each movement. Improved flexibility leads to better mobility, which can make everyday activities easier and more comfortable.
Other benefits include improved balance and coordination, which come from the precise, controlled nature of Pilates exercises. In addition, research has shown that Pilates can support bone health by promoting bone density, making it particularly beneficial for those looking to maintain or improve skeletal strength as they age.
Mat Pilates at Tidal
Mat Pilates offers something for everyone. You don’t need any prior experience to join a Pilates class at Tidal Yoga. Our Pilates teachers will guide you through the exercises, ensuring you feel supported and confident throughout. Pilates is accessible for beginners but can also be a challenging addition to the fitness routines of more experienced athletes.
We welcome participants from all stages of life and encourage everyone to experience the physical and mental benefits of Mat Pilates. It’s a practice that grows with you, adapting to your needs and will help you to build strength, flexibility, and a deeper connection to your body over time.
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