Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have men in your Pilates classes?
YES!
Each week we have more and more men joining our group classes or booking Corporate Pilates sessions with their sports teams.
Pilates is practised by many high profile athletes and celebrities - Chris Judd, Pat Cash, Hugh Grant, Brad Pitt and Tiger Woods are known to be Pilates fans.
At PFIWA we have men training with us who are professional footballers, swimmers, cyclists and runners... even pro surfers!
Pilates is great for men as initially they are often less flexible than women, which we know can often lead to imbalances in the body and possible back pain in the future.
Increased flexibility is one of the major benefits, men are often surprised to notice such a vast difference in their flexibility even after one session.
Our male clients also really enjoy the strength challenge and control aspect of our Pilates classes - the exercises are harder than they look! - especially the Fitball classes.
The fact that everyone works at their own level according to their fitness ability, means that no matter who you are, you can apply the exercises to be as challenging as you wish.
Can I do Pilates when I'm pregnant?
Pilates is great for pregnant women - as long as you attend specifically tailored pregnancy classes such as our Pregnancy Pilates classes.
You don't need experience to join our antenatal classes, you only need to be past your first trimester.
Specific Pregnancy Pilates is essential as some of the regular Pilates exercises aren’t suitable if you are expecting... and some simply aren't necessary.
We do more arm and shoulder strengthening, we still do your lower body work, lots of pelvic floor strengthening and breathing exercises, but minimal abdominal work.
We actually "activate" the core differently, so it's important to stick with the antenatal classes only.
(...We always find a few die-hard members who have trouble giving up their regular classes for a whole trimester!)
Once you have had your baby, you can come back to join us afterwards without having to do a Beginners Course, which has always been the case in the past.
We have Post Natal Pilates classes to enable you to start back with Pilates without being locked into a schedule, as we know that it may not always be easy to find time to come to class!
We still keep the pelvic floor focus, with lots of information for post natal bodies and we simplify the exercises a little to accommodate post natal abdominals!
I hear of it all the time... but what is Pilates?
Please see our What is Pilates page.
Is Pilates the same wherever you go?
There are many different styles of Pilates everywhere you go.
Firstly, there is clinical Pilates which you will find at physiotherapist centres and is specifically for rehabilitating new or severe injuries.
Please be aware that we do not instruct "clinical pilates" in our group classes. If you have an existing back injury, a history of bulging or ruptured vertebral discs, limited joint movement or if you have had recent surgery, then clinical pilates under physiotherapist supervision is for you. If you do not have serious injury, but require extra support for your core or joints, perhaps the Introductory Reformer Course will provide you with that support. Please contact our office on 9330 8900 for further information to determine your best option.
PFIWA delivers a totally unique style of Pilates based on the pure Joseph Pilates method, combined with the most cutting edge Pilates research for the best fitness results.
Power Pilates is an intense whole body and mind experience which is designed to energise and resculpt your figure, giving you a longer, leaner, more toned physique... quicker.
Will it help me lose weight?
YES!
At PFIWA we teach a unique style of Power Pilates like no other.
Our Power Pilates is an enhanced, high intensity style of Pilates that delivers cardiovascular benefits as well as sensationally swift body sculpting.
Your core muscles are those you will notice first, and then the rest of your body will follow.
Don't forget to breathe! Pilates breathing method is crucial to getting the long, toned and lean muscles you are looking for.
Due to the intensity of your workout with us, you will be burning plenty of kilojoules, which, when teamed with a healthy diet, results in weight loss.
How often, ideally, should I be attending classes?
As many of our current clients will tell you, the feeling you get from our Pilates classes is quite addictive! The more classes you can attend, the faster you will reach your goals. We recommend two to three times per week attendance for maintaining good health and well-being.
Pilates is a unique form of exercise. Due to its low impact, it is not necessary to have a rest day between classes as is generally recommended in gyms.
What do I need to wear?
The most important thing of all is that you feel comfortable.
We recommend moveable pants (not shorter than knee length for both men and women), as well as a t-shirt or fairly fitted top so you are comfortable when rolling down and up. At PFIWA we also stock the beautiful Abi & Joseph Pilates range. We work in bare feet or grip socks during the floor classes, and grip socks or normal socks during reformer classes, so there is no need to worry about shoes.