Safety and Props
Safety
This course will teach you many ways to move your body that make you stronger from this inside out. Strength comes from the centre and is key for long term mobility, flexibility and longevity. The basic principles to build a strong foundation is the starting point on your Pilates journey.
There are Five Basic Principles that provide the foundation of this Pilates course and are essential to performing the exercises safely and effectively.
You will learn proper form, how to activate muscles you didn’t realize you had, and increase your body awareness. This course is designed to introduce movement and body awareness for all body types, fitness levels, and ages.
Before starting any exercise program be sure to consult a physician and stop immediately if you experience chest pains, feel faint, or have difficulty breathing.
This is designed to be a low impact regime and should not be painful! If you are feeling pain with any of these movements, stop and take a break, complete a modified version (which will be shown during the course), or utilize a prop. Most importantly listen to your body.
Since this is a self guided course you will need to listen cues from your body and take a break if you need to.
Props
We will suggest a number of different props to help engage your muscles, keep in good alignment, or help with your ability to complete the exercise. Props will not necessarily make a movement easier but seek to improve your form while performing and keep you pain free.
Common props we recommend to have on hand for this course:
- small ball yoga block(s)
- an open ended resistance (flex) band
- small pads or pillows for your head to rest on
- a stool, pillow, chair, large fitness ball, blocks or something similar that will raise your sitting position from the floor
Each of these props can be purchased through the studio. Contact us if you are interested!
Common house hold items that can be used for props:
- regular small pillows or kneeling pads
- rolled up blankets or towels in place of a ball/block
- folded up hand towels for propping head or pelvis
- a scarf, house coat tie or similar stretchy piece of material to mimic a flex band
