What we do

The Pilates Method

The Pilates method of exercising offers a total body conditioning program which enhances one’s quality of life through improving body awareness and alignment, strength, flexibility, balance and co-ordination.

This exercise method was developed in the early to mid 1900’s by Joseph Pilates (pronounced Pi-lah-tees), who referred to his techniques as a method of physical and mental conditioning. He defined physical fitness as “the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure”, and was known for his favourite quote from the poet Schiller, “It is the mind itself that builds the body.” Hence, Pilates is often termed the thinking person’s workout.

Pilates’ unique form of exercise was invented fifty years ahead of its time, its central focus on creating a strong “centre” or core around which the rest of the body can operate is in line with current thinking on core stabilisation and abdominal stability. In addition, most forms of sport or exercise concentrate on the larger stronger muscles developing and becoming bulkier, while the smaller weaker muscles are forgotten. The Pilates method focuses on accessing and strengthening the smaller stabilising muscles, working all muscles through their full range of movement, and developing long lean muscles that are free to operate as part of a balanced, integrated body.

The Pilates method relies on careful individual supervision so that each client understands how to work correctly and not reinforce faulty movement patterns. Emphasis is on balancing out each person’s strengths and weaknesses, taking into consideration individual postural problems, injuries or conditions and working at your own pace. Pilates can be practiced in a small ‘Studio’ setting using spring loaded resistance machines, or in a group Matwork format. At Pilates Power Cronulla, we offer both types of Pilates classes to assist with your injury recovery or to meet your fitness goals.

Fitness & Injury RehabilitationWith our Studio (machine) sessions and Matwork classes, we cater for all levels of fitness at Pilates Power. Studio sessions ensure you of a low impact workout with varying resistance, utilizing a selection from hundreds of exercises to determine the intensity of your workout. Pilates in the studio is ideal for sufferers of back pain, post injury recovery, pregnancy and after birth, as well as for general fitness and elite athletic performance.

Research has shown that many injuries respond better to appropriately designed and supervised exercise, coordinated with treatment. An injury can lead to general body de-conditioning unless the needs of the whole body are addressed. We believe in a combined approach to the management of injuries and chronic pain and we endeavor to liaise with your relevant healthcare practitioners to provide an appropriate exercise program. Alternatively, if you have no specific injury, and simply wish to increase your fitness, core strength, flexibility and muscle tone through Pilates, you are welcome to undertake either the group Matwork classes or the more personalised studio sessions.

Getting Started If you choose to undertake Studio sessions, your first class will be a one hour private class during which your fitness, posture, strength and flexibility are assessed. We will discuss your injury history, expectations and goals and then an initial program is designed to suit your needs. Subsequent sessions are 1 hour long and you may elect to be in a small group of up to 4 people, or continue on an individual private basis. For individuals with special needs including those attending Pilates for Injury Rehabilitation, additional Private sessions may be suggested by your instructor.

If it is Matwork classes you are interested in, you are welcome to start any time, in a class at a level appropriate to your previous experience, if any, with the Pilates method. Clothing should be comfortable and easy to move in such as loose pants and a t-shirt or gym gear, and we ask you to bring a clean pair of socks to wear, a towel to place on the mat and a bottle of water to sip.