Pilates

Pilates (pronounced pi-lah-tees) is about breathing and movement, positioning of the body, balance and posture. The "powerhouse"- the abdomen, lower back and buttocks are supported and strengthened. Your mental and physical wellbeing is enhanced leaving you feeling refreshed and alert. The muscles are stretched as well as strengthened. Many famous people have stepped through the doors of studios, including actors such as Sharon Stone, Courtney Cox, Minnie Driver, Madonna and Lucy Lawless.

Christchurch City Council Pilates are "mat work" classes, involving no equipment. A series of mat exercises are performed in a balanced sequence improving flexibility, posture and co-ordination. All tutors are trained to teach Mat Pilates.

The minimum age for attendance is 16 years.

Call (03) 941 6840, fax (03) 941 8267 for more information.

Timetable

Adult Recreation Classes - Term 4 2007 [PDF 140KB]

Classes & Prices

Courses are available at various Christchurch City Council venues and run for 1 hour.The cost is $80 for 10 weeks.

What to bring

Bring a towel to use as a lumber roll or foot support, water, and a warm top for after class. Wear comfortable clothing. Please arrive 5 minutes before class begins. Mats are provided.

Course types

Pilates Introduction (10 weeks)
In the 8 weeks participants learn background information and are introduced to the principles of Pilates. The introductory course has a strong focus on posture and body awareness and prepares participants for Mat pilates exercise in Level 1.

Pilates Level 1 (10 weeks)
With a sound knowledge of the Pilates principles, body awareness and posture learnt form the Introductory Course participants will learn basic mat pilates exercises.
Pre-requisite: Pilates Introductory

Pilates Level 2 (10 weeks)
Progress to the next level of mat pilates. For those who have comfortably completed the Level 1 routine and are ready to develop further.
Pre-requisite: Pilates Level 1

Pilates Level 3 (10 weeks)
For those that practice regularly and require a challenge. Extend yourself!
Pre-requisite: Pilates Level 2
NB. If needed your tutor will advise you to repeat a level before progressing.

Enrolment

Your placement is not confirmed until full payment has been made at either QEII, Pioneer or by credit card by calling 941 8383. You will receive a receipt as confirmation. Sorry no postal enrolments, refunds or credits on withdrawn or missed classes.

Pilates enrolment form [PDF 45KB free Adobe Reader]

Benefits of Pilates

Improves posture and body awareness
A healthy body both inside and out
Low mpact programme
The powerhouse - the abdomen, lower back and buttocks are supported and strengthened
Engages body and mind through the concentration of each muscle movement
Focuses on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk

History

Josef Pilates was born in 1880 near Dusseldorf, Germany.

He grew up suffering from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. Like so many who have gone on to excel in the area of physical achievement and innovation, Pilates became obsessed with the frailties of the body and was determined to overcome his own afflictions.

His determination and application to work his body better health meant that, at 14, he was not only studying musculature of the body, he was also able to pose for anatomical drawings. He studied both Eastern and Western forms of exercise as well as watching the movements of ballet, yoga, martial arts and strength programmes to develop the Pilates method.

Venues

Pioneer Leisure Centre, 75 Lyttelton Street
QEII Park, Travis Rd
Mt. Pleasant Community Centre, McCormacks Bay Rd
Riccarton Town Hall, Clarence St
St Albans Community Resource Centre, 1047 Colombo St
Templeton Community Centre, Kirk Rd
Shirley Community Centre, Corner Shirley Rd and Slater St
Fendalton Community Hall, Clyde Rd

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