Wirral Pilates & Movement Centre is based at 87-89 Mill Lane, Wallasey, where classes are taught by the owner and operator, Louise Porter. The studio is fully-equipped with Balanced Body apparatus including 8 Allegro Reformer beds, Tower, Wunda Chair and Baby Arc. These are the fundamentals of a pilates equipment studio. An introductory class must be attended before joining the regular group sched
ule in order to ascertain whether it is suitable for you. The class is free of charge and open to all newcomers provided there are no severe health restrictions. It enables the teacher to explain the machine mechanics, address any health or injury concerns and allows you to experience a basic Reformer class. There is also the option of one-to-one and one-to-two coaching for those who prefer a customised program, want to experience pilates on a deeper level or perhaps prefer individual attention. This may also be a good option if the class schedule is unsuitable for you. If you are new to pilates you will be directed to a group that is working at a more elementary level so that you will never feel out of your depth or discouraged. The groups are kept small to enable first-class teaching supervision and attention to detail, particularly when it comes to alignment and posture. Some people first encounter it as a way to help heal from injury. Low back pain is prevalent in the western world and pilates strengthens and aligns the core muscles to support the spine whilst increasing mobility, so this is often a reason why many seek out the method. Or it could be that you want tighter, toned abdominals, which come as a by-product of improved core strength. Nowadays pilates is also targeted to sport-specific populations, who often suffer from overuse injuries (think golfers and runners) - in fact many elite athletes now use pilates as a regular component of their training regime. But really the discipline of functional, aligned movement can apply to anyone who cares about their health and posture. Why Equipment Pilates and not Mat Work? Mat work is a beautiful and fundamental part of pilates but represents around 25% of the pilates repertoire, leaving a sizeable volume of pilates exercises that require equipment. Mat classes often incorporate a lot of lying-down exercises which don't always translate well to the functional, upright movements that we humans require. The more-advanced mat exercises are often too difficult to be performed well by many participants, yet the easier exercises may not be challenging enough for more-athletic persons. The Reformer's spring resistance can offer support when necessary yet can also challenge more-advanced participants via this same spring manipulation. This allows for participants of varying abilities to perform the same exercise within a class, each being challenged and/or supported appropriately. Most people who experience pilates on the Reformer report a deeper connection to core muscles that they were unable to access on the mat. The Reformer's straps and cords make it easier to access a full range of motion at the joints, which is often hard to achieve with mat exercises.
