What is Pilates?

Pilates is a method of exercise that focuses on controlled, precise movement, breathing, alignment and awareness of the body. It can be adapted to suit individual needs, making it accessible to people with different abilities, ages, experience and fitness level.

Rather than simply working individual muscles, Pilates encourages the body to work as a whole. The emphasis is on the quality of each movement - developing strength, mobility, co-ordination, balance and body awareness in a considered and controlled way.

Body Control Pilates

Pilates with Aplomb classes are based on the Body Control Pilates method, which takes the traditional Pilates exercises and adapts them to suit the needs of the individual.

Classes are limited to a maximum of 12 participants. This allows your teacher to get to know you and your movement, offer appropriate modifications and help you work safely, effectively and efficiently.

All new clients complete an enrolment form and attend an induction session. This gives you an oppportunity to tell me about any concerns, injuries or relevant health conditions. Where appropriate, I may recommend that you seek advice from, or give me permission to liaise with your doctor, physiotherapist or other health professional. Any information you provide will be treated confidentially and in line with data protection laws in the UK.

A Brief History of Pilates

Pilates was developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates, who was born in Germany in 1883. As a young man, he became interested in improving physical fitness and studied martial arts, gymnastics, yoga and more.

In 1912, Joseph Pilates was living and working in England. When the First World War began, he was interned on the Isle of Man as an "enemy alien". Here, he started developing a system of exercises he called Contrology.

After returning to Germany, Pilates then moved to New York in the 1920s. Once there, he and his wife Clara established a studio where they taught and continued to develop Contrology.

The method became increasingly well known, particularly amongst dancers, performers and boxers, and eventually became known as Pilates. Joseph continued teaching until his death in 1967.

Today Pilates is practised worldwide, with an estimated 2 million people in the UK taking part in classes each week.

The Principles of Body Control Pilates

There are 8 guiding principles of the Body Control Pilates method:

• Concentration
• Relaxation
• Alignment
• Breathing
• Centring
• Co-ordination
• Flowing movements
• Stamina

These principles underpin the way each exercise in a Body Control Pilates class is performed. Together, they encourage you to develop greater awareness of your body and to perform movements with control, proficiency and efficiency.

Body Control Pilates uses the traditional Pilates repertoire as its foundation, while recognising that not every exercise is suitable for every body. Exercises can therefore be broken down to establish good movement skills thus building the best possible foundation upon which to progress towards the classical, more advanced work. This is the essence of the Body Control Pilates Method.

The Body Control Pilates Association

Body Control Pilates is one of Europe's leading Pilates teacher-training organisations. Its training programmes provide a comprehensive grounding in the Pilates method, anatomy and movement, together with practical teaching skills.

To maintain membership of the Body Control Pilates Association, teachers also adhere to a Code of Practice which includes a maximum class size of twelve to ensure a safe and effective session.

Members must also undertake Continuing Professional Development, helping them to maintain and develope their knowledge. This can be attained through both formal courses and their own practice of Pilates.

As a Pilates teacher, I am committed to continuing my own education and practice so that I can provide classes that are knowledgeable, considered and responsive to the people I teach. See the About me page for more information about my training and experience.

Training and Professional Standards

In 2010, the Body Control Pilates Matwork course was accredited by, and formed the basis of, the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) certification for Pilates teachers. REPS were the independent UK body whose role was to recognise and standardise fitness qualifications.

Since 2016, PD: Approval and Active IQ have been the endorsement service provider for Body Control Pilates qualifications.

In 2020, Body Control Pilates became a founding member of The Society for the Pilates Method (SPM). The SPM works with some of the UK's other leading Pilates Teacher training providers to promote excellence in Pilates, provde an assurance of quality in training and teaching, and to ensure that the full potential of Pilates is made accessible to the broadest range of clients.