What is Fitness PILATES?

Fitness Pilates is a group exercise class using the original teachings, principals and exercises of Joseph Pilates delivered in a modern and functional group exercise session. Fitness Pilates addresses basic postural imbalances, improves back and core strength and enhances mobility and flexibility in a non-intimidating, fun and enjoyable class set to music.  It is an all-inclusive programme designed to strengthen weaker areas of the body and is suitable for all levels of fitness and the generally healthy adults.

*Fitness Pilates is not a rehab class and unsuitable for individuals with diagnosed muscular-skeletal issues that require one to one clinical application**

What does Fitness PILATES do or not do for me?

Fitness Pilates is not a fat burning workout - you won't lose weight just by coming to a Pilates class: that can only be done by controlling your diet and creating an overall calorie deficit. Fitness Pilates will not tone you up - you can only ever either lose body fat or build muscle and Pilates does neither of those for you specifically.

• It DOES work on any postural imbalances you may have.
• It DOES help with flexibility of the spine & strength of the deep spinal muscles.
• It DOES improve the strength of the deep core muscles including the big network of muscles which make up the pelvic floor.
• It DOES improve the way we breathe, and that has a direct impact on our parasympathetic system which helps to lower anxiety, improve concentration and improve well-being.

Because of the above benefits it is very effective as a complement to other sports and types of exercise. Plenty of professional footballers and dancers practise Pilates because it improves their technique in their main sport, and helps prevent injuries.

Fitness Pilates helps to allow you to move properly when you are doing your other forms of exercise and get the most out of every day life: it gives you the tools to live your life better, to apply the principles to whatever you are doing and it’s an investment in your future health.

What is the aim of Fitness PILATES?

• The aim of Fitness Pilates is to identify basic postural and movement imbalances and through Pilates based exercises and breath:
• Increase muscular balance and strength.
• Improve clients posture.
• Facilitate the clients’ ability to optimally function occupationally and recreationally.
• Improve core strength.
• Improve mental cognition.

I've never done Fitness PILATES before - how do I get started?

Choose one of AinyFit Ltd's classes which are most suited to beginner levels and go from there. There is one on a Monday morning at 9:10am and one on a Monday evening at 6:30pm, both at Calmore Community Centre, Calmore Drive, Calmore, Southampton, SO40 2ZU which are suitable for beginners, and there are also classes on a Tuesday morning at 10:10am and Wednesday evening at 6:30pm and these are more suited to people who are at more advanced levels. - more information on all our classes can be found here.

What shoud I wear to Fitness PILATES?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing in which you can move freely - leggings, tracksuit bottoms, shorts, t-shirts, sports tops/vests. You are welcome to participate in any of the classes wearing trainers/sports shoes if you prefer, or you can do the class in bare feet or you can wear grippy socks - the choice is yours.

Should I bring anything to my Fitness PILATES Class?

Please bring your own Pilates/Yoga mat for the floor work, a towel and some water. In our Tuesday and Wednesday classes we alternate traditional mat Pilates with small-equipment Pilates such as mini-balls, light weights or stretchy bands and we would ask you to bring your own, please, although we do have spare stretchy bands.

How many Fitness PILATES classes a week are recommended?

For beginners, it is wise to start with one Pilates class a week to see how your body feels after your Pilates workout. If you are quite fit, you can try starting with two classes a week, but always remember to listen to your body and allow it to recover at least one day a week. To get the best results, it is recommended to do a variety of workouts so that you are continually challenging your muscles, therefore we offer a variety of different classes with varying levels of intensity - and we also offer DanceFIT classes!

 I have a lower back injury/pain. Is Pilates safe for me to do?

As long as you are cleared by your physician/physical therapist, Pilates is a fabulous way to help alleviate lower back pain or rehabilitate after a back injury. Traditional crunches only work the outermost abdominal muscles. Pilates strengthens the entire core region – including the deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, lumbar extensors, and buttocks – to completely stabilise the spine and lumbopelvic region, bringing the body into correct alignment and helping to alleviate the pain. Please inform AinyFit prior to class of your condition and never do any exercise that causes any pain in the lower back.

Can I do Pilates if I am pregnant/postnatal?

Since there are many modifications that need to be made to exercises during pregnancy and many exercise series that cannot be performed, our regular group Fitness Pilates classes are not suitable for pregnant and postnatal clients. Once your baby is born, however, you may come to any type of class after your 6-week post-natal check, or 12 weeks in the case of a Caesarean section birth, providing you have been cleared to do so by your Doctor. Having said that, Pilates is a great way to maintain fitness throughout pregnancy and to rehabilitate after labour. It is important to strengthen the pelvic floor, buttocks, legs, and arms but one must be careful with which abdominal muscles are being activated, and you will need to find a suitably qualified Pilates instructor to teach you during your pregnancy.

Do you accept walk-ins?

We do prefer you to book online, please, since our classes can become quite busy and some of our venues are small (it's also slightly cheaper if you do book online first, too)! If you are a walk-in you might run the risk of being turned away at the door if the class has already been fully booked. Numbers are kept to a minimum in order that teaching can be carried out safely and effectively.

Will Pilates help me lose weight?

Pilates can be a cardiovascular workout if you are at an intermediate/advanced level and have no injuries, especially when using small equipment and incorporating fitness elements in our Intervals sessions. Pilates is great for low-impact strengthening of the muscles, development of core stability, toning, and increasing flexibility.

How long do I need to do Pilates before I start seeing results?

To quote Joseph Pilates: “In 10 sessions you will feel better, in 20 you will look better, and in 30 you will have a whole new body.” If you are doing 2-3 classes a week, you should start to see results in 10-12 weeks. If you attend one class a week, you will still see results but it might take longer.

Will my muscles be sore after Pilates?

Muscle soreness after Pilates depends on your athleticism and muscle memory. You will get out of Pilates what you put in; meaning, if you do not make a conscious effort to recruit muscles correctly and focus on proper form, you will not feel sore afterwards. Pilates is designed to be a workout so you will feel your muscles working, however you should never feel any pain in the neck, back or joints. After our more advanced classes it is quite common to be sore and a bit fatigued, but of course this also depends on your fitness level prior to beginning the classes.

Is there more information available on AinyFit's Fitness PILATES classes?

Yes! Please click here for more details on all four Fitness PILATES classes that AinyFit runs.

When and where are AinyFit's Fitness PILATES Classes held?

For the full timetable of AinyFit's classes - times, dates, venues, prices, etc, please click here, where you will also be able to book your session(s)!