Purely Pilates

March courses booking up now!

2012-02-16T00:54:00.001-08:00

Call us today to book your space on our Mat, Reformer and Pregnancy courses starting week of February 27th 01273 770900.

Extra Classes added to meet demand!

2012-01-10T07:55:00.000-08:00

Due to demand we've added sessions to our open day timetable:

Mat taster session at 11.30

Beginner Reformer session at 12.15.

Spaces are still available on other sessions.

Call now to book 01273 770900

Open day January 14th 2012!

2012-01-04T04:47:00.001-08:00

Come along and join us on our open day, a chance to try something new in the New Year! If you introduce a friend to try a mat class or pregnancy session then you will receive a Purely Pilates Refer a Friend gift. Call now on 01273 770900 to book your space.

Mat-work Studio

08.45-9.30 Intermediate Mat with Karen

12.30-13.15 Taster Beginner Mat with Teri

13.15-14.00 Taster Pregnancy Class with Fiona

Reformer Studio

08.45-09.30 Beginner Reformer with Elisa

10.30-11.15 Sport Conditioning on the Reformer with Sarah

11.15-12.00 Beginner Reformer with Simone

Equipment Studio

08.45-09.30 Tone your Tush with Sarah

09.30-10.15 Equipment Taster Session with Karen

10.15-11.00 Dynamic Circuit with Gemma

11.00-11.45 Pilates Pure Stretch with Gemma

11.45-12.30 Fitness Circle Mat with Andrea

Advanced Mat Class

2011-09-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Starting Tues 27th 10.30am with Gemma. Are you up to it?!

New Pregnancy class

2011-09-20T13:15:00.001-07:00

New pregnancy class starting Mon 3rd October 8pm with Gemma. Call now to book your space

Postural Analysis Workshops this Saturday

2011-09-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Postural Analysis Workshops this Saturday ( 24th September) at Purely Pilates. Come and find out which posture type you are and which exercises to practice to correct it. £15. Call 01273 770900 to book your space

Pregnancy Pilates on the Reformer

2011-06-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

Most people have heard about the benefits of a Pilates mat workout both during and after pregnancy. Mums to be speak of improved strength in their bodies, (particularly the pelvic floor and the lumbo- pelvic region), enhanced flexibility, the focus on deep breathing and relaxation, and the ultimate benefits of an easier birth and quicker postnatal recovery. Now, however, there is an even more exciting way to stay fit and healthy during pregnancy, The Pilates Reformer.

The Pilates Reformer is made up of a sliding carriage that sits on long runners and is controlled by a variety of springs and pulleys. Over 200 exercises can be performed on this superb machine targeting the whole body, from the ankles, thighs and bottom to the abdominals, shoulders and arms. For the non- pregnant Pilates exerciser the Reformer takes the mat repertoire onto the next level using spring tension to add resistance to mat movements as well as being able to challenge specific muscles more effectively. For the pregnant client it offers more specific benefits.

Variety

After the first trimester exercises in a supine position (lying flat on your back) should be avoided. This is due to the possibility of Supine Hypertensive Syndrome, a condition where the uterus compresses the vena cava effecting oxygen flow to both the mother and baby. A large amount of mat exercises are performed supine and prone (lying on your front- obviously not so achievable!) meaning that a pure mat workout can become a little repetitive as the pregnancy progresses. The sheer diversity of exercises that can be performed on the Pilates Reformer means that more variety can be offered as well as enabling mums to be to feel as if they are more closely carrying on their pre pregnancy workout (with a reduction in intensity of course). For example, the Swan, an extension exercise for the spine which begins lying prone and works the upper back muscles can be replaced by the back rows seated or long stretch on all fours on the reformer, so these key muscles are still exercised. It is very important to maintain and develop strength around the shoulder girdle as lifting and carrying a new baby is a workout in itself. The Reformer workout can therefore be a key tool in preparing expectant mothers for their new role.

Control

Hormonal changes during pregnancy create an increase in ligament laxity throughout the body and most significantly in the low back and sacral area. Therefore, long-levered, open chain exercises (with both feet off the floor) are not recommended. On the reformer, the gliding carriage allows movement through a full but carefully controlled range of motion while keeping the arms and legs grounded for a safe and effective workout. The footwork series whilst supported on the barrel is a great way to work the core and legs whilst in a closed chain. This series of exercises is performed with the feet resting on the foot bar then bending and straightening the legs in a squat type movement. As circulation and blood flow can be affected in pregnancy this footwork works wonders for tightness and cramping in the lower legs, reducing varicose veins and swelling.

Posture and Stability

Prenatal Pilates on the Reformer also increases postural awareness while strengthening the periphery. During pregnancy the body changes daily. As the baby grows, it’s added weight can pull the lumbo-pelvic region into an exaggerated curve (an arching of the lower back) affecting the centre of gravity and balance. As the breasts increase in size, the thoracic and cervical spinal curves can also become more exaggerated. As these curves increase, so does the stress on the surrounding muscles and joints. A no impact regime, a Pilates Reformer workout places emphasis on restoring the spine’s natural curves and on improving stability and mobility in the lumbo-pelvic region. There is a focus on strengthening the thoracic extensors and lengthening the chest muscles to counteract the increased curves in the upper part of the back. Each exercise session on the reformer redefines what ideal alignment looks and feels like for each participant. Once that is established, the reformer exercises will effectively strengthen and support the body through all phases of the pregnancy.

Gemma Wright, Studio Director, Purely Pilates.

For further advice or information please contact the Purely Pilates Studio,

email info@purelypilatesstudio.co.uk,

website www.purelypilatesstudio.co.uk

Tel: 01273 770900

Testimonial Pre natal Pilates on the Reformer:

‘I really had no idea what to expect, but was rather surprised to be presented with the reformer. This piece of equipment looks rather alarming with a number of straps, pulleys and bars, all arranged on an individual couch. Of course not being on the floor has had its obvious advantages with my expanding girth, but in addition to this it allows you to work on the desired muscle groups under control, with an appropriate resistance. It is a piece of equipment that really allows all muscle groups to be exercised, even when pregnant. I have found the reformer easy to use and have enjoyed the pregnancy Pilates classes enormously. At no point have I found the classes to be too strenuous or causing any pressure to me or my bump. I would very much like to return to classes as soon as possible after the birth of my baby, and look forward to a more vigorous reformer workout in the future.’

Sue Ellery, Consultant Cardiologist, Brighton.

Pippa Middleton reveals the secret to her toned derriere is all down to Pilates!

2011-05-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1388006/Pippa-Middleton-reveals-secret-toned-derriere.html

Reformer Classes go down a storm!

2011-03-08T00:25:00.000-08:00

Our new Reformer classes are proving a huge success. We started with just 5 classes in January and due to demand have already had to add a further three classes to meet demand. The reformer is a great way to take a Pilates mat class onto a new level and really start to feel results. Fiona started a session with us in January and says " I can feel the difference already in my muscle tone especially in my bottom and thighs. It's fantastic!"

For those of you who play sport and need a stronger, more resistance based workout this workout would be a great addition to your training program. Guaranteed to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance.

We still have a few spaces left on courses so give us a call if you'd like us to reserve you a slot.

Pilates for Pregnancy ( article for ABC magazine March 2011)

2011-03-08T00:23:00.000-08:00

Pilates is fast becoming the exercise program for expectant mums, due to its benefits in terms of strength, flexibility and relaxation.

Pilates entails a series of stretching and resistance exercises with a focus on breathing and body awareness that leads to core stability and leaner muscles. The method has an ‘all gain, no pain’ approach. Joseph Pilates developed the method in the early 1900s as an exercise program for First World War veterans. His original technique has now been enhanced utilizing the improved knowledge we now have about the way the body works.

As well as the general benefits of Pilates such as improved posture, prevention of injury and a reduction in back pain, there are specific pre-natal benefits.

The main focus of a Pilates class during Pregnancy is on the maintenance of muscle tone, strength and endurance. This is not a time to be pushing your body, more a time to gently strengthen. Particular focus is paid to the pelvic floor muscles. A significant 64% of women develop incontinence symptoms due to the weight of the baby on the bladder during pregnancy, and as a result of the pelvic floor being stretched or weakened during labour. The risk of incontinence can be greatly reduced by strengthening the pelvic floor. All Pilates exercises will work to strengthen this important muscle, from swimming in a four point kneeling position to seated exercises such as alternate leg lifts on the Swiss Ball.

Pilates can help to achieve optimal fitness and health for both mother and baby during pregnancy, and for labour. Exercises that will lead to improvements in functional fitness for every day life are practiced. For example, squats leaning against a Swiss ball placed on the wall to mimic standing and sitting movements, or the ‘sidekick’ to lengthen the hip flexors and hamstring muscles, counteracting the forward tilt of the pelvis and therefore reducing back pain.

There is a focus on relaxation both during pregnancy and specifically for labour by an emphasis on deep breathing patterns. The respiratory rate naturally increases in pregnancy. The diaphragm is elevated due to its changes in the rib cage placement, which may increase oxygen consumption by 15-20%. This increase makes the body work harder to deliver appropriate levels of oxygen to the developing foetus, which in turn alters the availability of oxygen to the woman, resulting in a sense of breathlessness. A focus on deep breathing into the thoracic part of the spine and into the lower parts of the lungs helps to improve breathing capacity. This helps to improve circulation, decreasing the risk of blood clots, varicose veins, leg cramping and swelling. It can also assist in regulating fatigue levels, as well as improving sleep.

The focus on breathing, the relaxing pace of a Pilates session and the sense of well being it creates, leads to improvements in mood and body image throughout pregnancy, as well as helping to cope with post partum depression. Postnatal benefits are a quicker recovery of body shape and muscle tone after the birth.

The Pilates repertoire is adapted throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy, as changes in the body occur. In the first trimester, and indeed throughout, hormonal changes, particularly the increase of the hormone Relaxin, can result in injury or weakness in muscles and ligaments. The lower back and sacral area are most affected. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises are still included in a class but the range of movement is limited, stretches are held for shorter periods of time and the focus shifts to stability rather than flexibility.

The greatest increase in pelvic mobility and reduction of pelvic stability occur in the 20-27 week period (the latter part of the second trimester). The centre of gravity is also most altered during this stage. Stability exercises are key; working in a neutral pelvic position and strengthening the pelvic floor not only increases pelvic stability generally but also helps to avoid Symphysis Pubis Diastasis, where the pubis separates due to hormonal changes. Focus is on the support of the abdominals as a corset rather than trying ‘to flatten’. In the second trimester abdominal crunches are removed from a Pilates program because of the separation of the rectus abdominus. This occurs with the increased stretch of the abdominal wall.

Changing exercise positions frequently is encouraged to ensure comfort throughout the session. The Pilates spine supporter is introduced after week 12 of pregnancy so that the mother can exercise lying on her back safely by being propped almost to a sitting position. It is not advisable to exercise lying fully flat due to the possibility of Supine Hypertensive Syndrome, a condition where the uterus compresses the vena cava effecting oxygen flow to both the mother and baby.

To gain all the benefits of Pilates through pregnancy and to feel assured that the possible contraindications of pregnancy are recognised, it is important to find a class with an instructor who is specifically trained in Pregnancy Pilates and where classes are limited to a maximum of eight. A Pregnancy Pilates class will help all new mums enjoy their pregnancy to the fullest, feeling relaxed and strong in both body and mind.

Gemma Wright, Studio Director, Purely Pilates.

Congratulations Zoe and family

2011-03-08T00:04:00.000-08:00

Baby Talia was born on 25th January at 10.50 weighing 7lb 4oz. We're looking forward to meeting her soon.

Open Morning a huge success!

2011-01-24T02:23:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came along to our open morning on Saturday. We had 13 full Reformer and Mat Master classes running all morning offering people the chance to try out our fantastic new studio and try Pilates for the first time.

We hope you enjoyed it and look forward to seeing you in a class soon.

Call now to book your class 01273 770900

Join us on Saturday 22nd January for the opening of our new Reformer/ Specialist Programs Studio and Free taster sessions

2011-01-12T12:21:00.001-08:00

Book your space early to avoid disappointment, as numbers are limited. Our specialist Pregnancy/ Young at Heart team will be on hand to answer any questions on these new sessions so if you have a friend who may be interested in joining bring them along! Remember that you can take advantage of our Refer a Friend offer and win a fantastic Pilates gift. Tea and coffee will be available all morning so we look forward to seeing you then.

Saturday 22nd January Timetable

Reformer tasters

09.30-10.15 Sarah

10.30-11.15 Gemma

11.30-12.15 Elisa

12.30- 13.15 Karen

Mat Master classes

08.30-09.15 Fitness Circle Fiona

11.30-12.15 Taster Mat Gemma

12.30-13.15 Foam Roller Andrea

Call 01273 770900 to book

Happy Christmas from Purely Pilates

2010-12-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

Purely Pilates will close at 10pm this evening and reopen on January 4th 2011. If you have any queries please email us on info@purelypilatesstudio.co.uk

We'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you at class in January.

Best wishes,

Congratulations Gemma

2010-12-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Gemma, one of Purely Pilates studio directors for passing her final Pilates exam with a whopping 94%!

Christmas Lunch

2010-12-19T06:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas lunch at the Green Mango. Thanks for coming everyone.

Christmas Lunch

2010-12-06T01:20:00.000-08:00

Come along and join us this Wednesday (8th Dec) at the Green Mango on Church Road at 1.30 for our Christmas Lunch. We look forward to seeing you then

Congratulations Charlotte!

2010-12-06T01:19:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to instructor Charlotte who had baby Sebastian on 29th November at 9.36am. Mother and baby are doing well. We're looking forward to some photos soon.

New Reformer and SP studio opening January 2011!!

2010-11-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

We're expanding!

In January 2011 Purely Pilates will open it's third studio. We're introducing group Reformer classes and specialist classes for seniors and pregnancy.

Call us now for more information! 01273 770900

Charlottes off on maternity leave!

2010-10-28T06:42:00.001-07:00

Charlotte ( Wed 7 and 8pm classes) has left us to go on maternity leave. She's due to have her third baby boy in December. We 'd like to wish her lots of luck and look forward to seeing her back at the studio in March. We'll keep you posted as soon as we hear any news.

PP x

Course renewals and new courses starting November

2010-10-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Course renewals are due by tomorrow for those currently on the course. If you're interested in starting Pilates with us please give us a call asap as our new courses begin in the first week of November.

We look forward to hearing from you

If Felicity Kendall can do it so can you!

2010-10-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1321404/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2010-Felicity-Kendal-puts-display-Pilates.html

Felicity Kendall has put her flexibility and toned body down to Pilates! If you're feeling inspired come along and join us at Purely Pilates today!

Thank you!

2010-10-06T02:53:00.001-07:00

We raised a whopping £700 for Macmillan Cancer support through your kind donations and our secret bid. Thank you to all those who donated and those who gifts for the bid.

Bid for fantastic goodies in our fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support

2010-09-22T11:01:00.001-07:00

Purely Pilates, will be getting together with clients, friends and colleagues on Friday 24th September

Sarah Nield, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, has been attending post-operative rehabilitation sessions with Karen Hamer at Purely Pilates. Sarah explains “I started practising the Pilates method 10 years ago and felt it was appropriate to carry on through my treatment for breast cancer: this maintained my muscle balance and flexibility. The treatment also really helped me to de - stress through the difficult times I encountered”.

Karen Hamer at Purely Pilates explains, “It is important after surgery to follow a specially designed fitness programme to assist in the recovery and rehabilitation process for survivors of breast cancer. Using specific exercises on spring resistance equipment helps restore mobility, improve posture and regain strength. The most rewarding part for me of working with Sarah was seeing her build endurance and take control of her recovery.”

So come along and join us for a coffee in support of Macmillan Cancer Support or perhaps bid on one of the fantastic goodies in our secret auction....

•A 1-1 session with one of Purely Pilates Studio Directors

*A 1-1 Yoga session With Amanda Baker

* An assessment and initial treatment with Sara Baxter Physio

•A Passionfruit Body Scrub and Fake Bake Tan with Louise at Tranquility in the City, Portslade

• A full body massage with Clare Baker

•*Dinner for 2 delivered to your door by Fiona Stewart

• A full body massage with Jane King

• A manicure and shellac (fantastic no chip nailvarnish) with Michelle Sawyer from Rocksea Beauty, Hove

•An Indian Head Massage with Yvette Ball from Perfect Pinkies in Worthing

•A Foam Roller from Purely Pilates

•* A swiss ball and Pilates on the Ball book by Gemma Wright

Please send your secret bid to info@purelypilatesstudio.co.uk. Bids will be drawn on Wednesday 29th September

HAPPY BIDDING!

If you'd like to make a donation separate to the auction then please contact us via email.

Wedding congratulations!

2010-09-18T01:49:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Nicola Marvin who got married in New York yesterday! All the Pilates preparation beforehand definitely paid off! PP

Macmillan Coffee Morning

2010-09-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

Come and join us for our coffee morning in support of the Macmillan Cancer Support on

Friday 24th September

9.15-12.00

(in the classroom underneath Purely Pilates)

We’ll provide the tea and coffee but please let us know if you’d like to donate a cake or some biscuits for us to nibble on!

We’ll be accepting donations all week and running a SECRET AUCTION for a whole bunch of goodies. (Donations for things to auction are welcome).

We really hope you can come along and have a coffee with us and support this fantastic charity. Many of us here at Purely Pilates have been affected by cancer and know what a great job the Macmillan nurses do. So help us raise lots of money for a very good cause.

Maya and Hugo

2010-09-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Babies arrive at PP!

2010-09-08T10:18:00.001-07:00

We are very pleased to announce the arrival of three new clients at Purely Pilates! Many of you will have met Sophie, Anna and Rebecca who were all due with their first babies during the summer. They attended the mat classes with us until they were about to pop! So we thought you'd like to meet the new additions...

Anna gave birth to baby Hugo on 30th July. Here he is looking like a very smiley chap in his white baby grow.

Then came Maya, born to Rebecca on 25 August weighing 6 pounds 6, spookily predicted to the date by her mother!

And last but certainly not least, Sophie gave birth to William at the end of August.

We're looking forward to meeting them all soon and wish the new mums and dads lots of congratulations!

PP x

New kit at PP!

2010-09-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

We're always investing in new equipment at PP to help keep the sessions we offer refreshing and challenging. We've just invested in a new wall unit for the mat room to add diversity to our 1-1 sessions. The wall unit enables us to do much of the cadillac work but on the raised mat.

Alongside that we've purchased a Spine Corrector. This is one of the barrel family so not as evil as it sounds! You'll be using it in your 1-1s or studio sessions soon!

Sounds fun huh? Come along a try it out.

New term begins September 6th!

2010-09-01T09:09:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

We hope you've had a lovely summer, even if the weather hasn't quite lived up to our expectations. So now the children are back at school we're sure you're dying to get back to class next week! All our mat work courses begin next week so if you have yet to confirm or pay for your space please give us a call this week. And we promise to be gentle for the first week at least :)

We've had a good summer at PP. Lots of you have attended our summer drop in classes trying out the arc barrel and flex band master classes, an added challenge to the usual mat class.

Pauline Young came along and tried a Reformer class for the first time. She says of the class: "What does go on in the attic? Reforming? Leather straps, metal bolts and a vague smell of unease. Once the panic subsides and providing you ignore the mirror, it turns out to be good clean fun.Or what passes for fun in Gemma’s world. New tricks find new muscles, but it isn’t torture, it’s a great new challenge and one I’ll be looking forward to repeating. I’m reformed!"

Other have used the time for a bit more 1-1 focused attention. Sharon Kenyon has been doing Pilates with us for a few years but was finding some exercises tricky. We went right back to basics in the 1-1 and made a change to Sharons technique which will really help her to progress and move along with her training. She can now use her increased awareness and knowledge in her group mat work classes.

So it's not too late to benefit from a 1-1 or a studio/reformer session. Why not book in with your instructor for a 1-1 to get back your focus after the summer break? Or if you fancy a new challenge then perhaps try a reformer class?

Give us a call on 01273 770900.

We'll see you soon.

Summer brunch

2010-08-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

A farewell brunch with the Wednesday morning 9.30 Intermediate class before everyone went off on their hols. Eggs benedict all round! Much deserved after the session Karen just put them through! PP

Summer Timetable 2010

2010-08-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

Our summer timetable begins next Monday and we're already taking bookings. Give us a call to arrange a session to keep you ticking over for the next few weeks until the courses begin again. We've got a whole variety of sessions on offer, from arc barrel and fitness circle master classes to reformer and studio equipment sessions. 1-1s are also available if you'd like a little extra help with your pilates workout. We'll see you soon! PP

September renewals

2010-08-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

Remember those of you currently on a course with us that you have until tomorrow to confirm your space otherwise I'm afraid your space will be allocated to those on our waiting list. If you're new and want to start a course then give us a call asap to book your space on our courses starting week of September 6th! Call us on 01273 770900. PP

2010-02-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

To all current Purely Pilates clients,

You should have received your course renewals by now. Please remember we need your payment by the end of next week to confirm your space on the March/April courses. If we don't hear from you by then your space will be allocated to those we have on our waiting lists.

We look forward to seeing you at your class this week.

2010-01-16T02:21:00.000-08:00

It's our 2nd birthday on Saturday 3oth January and we'll be holding a variety of free master classes between 09.30-13.30. Come along and try the foam roller, arc barrell or our upstairs equipment studio for free! All classes must be booked in advance on 01273 770900 as spaces are limited.

There's a beginners taster session from 11.00-11.45 so if you are new to PP this would be a great way to come and try Pilates for yourself.

Already a PP client? We're offering a 'refer a friend' gift for Saturday 30th January only. Should your friend sign up for a mat-work course with us you'll receive a of a Purely Pilates goodie bag full of pilates treats!

If you can't make a class then you are welcome to pop in to see us for a coffee and a look around.

We look forward to seeing you then.

2010-01-12T08:57:00.001-08:00

2010-01-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hi to all Purely Pilates clients and welcome to our new blog!

It's been a tricky to start to the year for us all due to the snow but we have managed to keep all our classes running over the last week for those of you that could make it. If you haven't made a class don't worry. Remember that you can drop into a class at any point over the next 7 weeks ( until your current course finishes).

We hope to see you soon,