.png)
Welcome to The Physiotherapy Corner! A blog brought to you by Holywood Pilates and Physiotherapy from our little corner of Holywood, Sullivan Place. I am Erin, a Chartered Physiotherapist and it is my hope that reading this blog will inspire and entertain you, give you something to think about, and provide you with some tips and tricks for your health and well-being.
About Pilates:
There is something amazing about building strength, flexibility, endurance and body awareness just with your own body! I love the sensation of getting off the mat and feeling taller, more even, more relaxed, and all pleased with myself for having done a quality workout. Pilates is an exercise that I have done for years, long before I became a Physiotherapist. Pilates has always had a big impact on how I feel physically, and it is absolutely brilliant for cross-training with other sports and workout regimes. Pilates makes me feel like I can move more effectively and efficiently, and I love efficiency and effectiveness.
This is all well and good coming from me; however, I thought it would make a lot more sense to document the Pilates experience through someone else's eyes. As fate would have it our very own receptionist and marketing genius, Clare, has never done Pilates! We sat down for an honest chat after finishing her block of classes, to see how it went.
E: You work at a Physiotherapy and Pilates clinic, how have you made it this long without doing a class!
C: Does the online barre class during Covid count?
E: No
E: Did you have any preconceived expectations about Pilates?
C: I knew it would help my fitness levels from speaking to our clients, but I confess I thought it would be easy!
E: How did you feel when you walked into your first Pilates class?
C: To be honest, a bit nervous and I was worried that people would think that I should know what I was doing.
E: What was the most challenging aspect of your class?
C: Abdominal work, as it is an area I haven't been working on since I had my two kids!
E: How did you feel after your first class?
C: Really good! I felt like I had done some hard work and felt good for starting my fitness journey.
E: What was the most enjoyable part of your classes?
C: The people in the class made it for me, everyone in class was very supportive, and I didn't feel judged.
E: How did you feel after you finished your first block of classes?
C: I felt tighter and that my confidence had improved.
E: Anything happen that you didn't expect?
C: I didn't expect to feel as good as I did! I had more energy after class, was ready for the day, and could feel my muscles switched on.
E: Would you do it again or recommend it to a friend?
C: 100%. I don't like going to the gym, but I want to get a full body work-out in and I want to fit it into my busy schedule. There was such a good atmosphere in the class, which made it fun. Obviously, I work here and am talking to you, but having a Physiotherapist teach my classes made me feel much more comfortable, as I have had a few issues in the past.
Hopefully, Clare has given you a few things to think about if you have been considering a group exercise class, or trying Pilates in the near future. If you need any further convincing have a look at a few of the benefits of Pilates below.
A Few Benefits of Pilates:
Counts towards your recommended 30 mins of moderate physical activity per day
Raises body awareness
Improves posture
Improves balance
Improves strength
Improves flexibility
Group classes are social, good for commitment and your mental health
Low impact, but high weight bearing
Great for cross-training
Creates a mid-body connection
Boosts energy levels and "feel good" hormones.
A few Pilates Photos:
Thanks for taking the time to read The Physiotherapy Corner, and I will be back soon for another instalment.
Thinking of trying Pilates? Click here to have a look at our current schedule.
Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions expressed above are those of the author and always remember to seek medical advice before starting any new exercise programme.
Kommentare