why do pilates?

Increases Core Strength

Improves Posture

Improves Circulation

Improves flexibility and joint range of movement

Improves balance and coordination

Improves overall body awareness

Reduces risk of injuries

Improves breathing patterns

Pilates focuses on improving the conditioning of the entire body in a balanced, non-impact approach. Pilates concentrates on activating the core muscles of the body, both the inner core muscles, transverse abdominus, pelvic floor, diaphram, multifidis as well as the outer core muscles, the gluteals, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominus etc so that they work together to improve posture and strength.

Pilates Class Timetable

  • Mondays & Wednesdays

    6.30pm with Pilates Instructor Jackie O'Brien

  • Tuesdays

    10am with Niamh Coffey, Chartered Physiotherapist

  • Friday

    7.30am with Pilates Instructor Rachel Kenny

  • Fridays

    10am with Pilates Instructor Jackie O'Brien

Pilates is suitable for all ages

Pilates is suitable for all ages as it is a low impact exercise programme which is carries out on a mat. A few light props may be used such as a theraband, and later when you’re ready to progress and challenge your core strength, rollers and physio balls can be used. Falls and poor balance is a primary concern for the older population and studies have shown that Pilates can significantly improve static and dynamic balance. Through building up strength in your abdominals, gluteals, arms and legs your coordination improves and you develop a greater sense of body awareness that improves your balance and makes you more stable on your feet. This in turn increases your confidence in carrying out daily activities.

Pilates and Sport

It is a well known fact that Pilates has been adopted by preofessional sport players and teams such as the Irish International Rugby players Rob Kearney and Gordon Darcy, and tennis player Andy Murray. Sports players require the maximum amount of strength and stability as well as optimal flexibility for their sport. The core muscles need to fire in the correct patterns with the correct timing when put under stress. Pilates teaches these correct movement patterns to athletes.

What are the benefits of Pilates with a Chartered Physiotherapist?

Niamh is a Chartered Physiotherapist who spends 80% of her work assessing, treating and prescribing therapeutic exercises for a wide range of pain and movement dysfunction patterns. As a specialist Niamh offers the highest level of attention for each participant. As a Chartered Physiotherapist Niamh has an excellent understanding of the wide range of spinal pathologies, peripheral joint pathologies, acute and chronic pain and safe principles of rehabilitation. With this knowledge and small class numbers, (max 8 participants), this is the difference between Pilates with a Chartered Physiotherapist and a ‘general fitness’ type of Pilates class. The benefits of Pilates is dependant on performing each movement correctly so the targeted muscles are activated and conditioned as intended.