Are you bored of doing the same workouts every week? We sent Tonia, one of nzgirl’s writers, along to try a mat class at AllSports Pilates. Find out how she coped with the experience and what’s involved in your typical Pilates class…
“Wow.” No other word can describe the way I felt the day after my experience at All Sports Pilates.
No words at all could explain the actual experience as I was too busy either crying or laughing. Just kidding, but to be honest I have never done an exercise where I have worked absolutely every muscle in my body. Because I have quite tight muscles and was thrown into the deep end in an advanced class, this was rather painful!
However apart from this, I had a great time. Greg, the fabulous instructor, took care to make sure everyone was having a productive workout, keeping the atmosphere light and fun, yet very professional. I am very grateful to him for being patient with me and making sure I didn’t kill myself.
The AllSports Pilates studio was spacious yet cozy; well equipped with the latest Pilates machines (we did a floor class so didn’t use these), and most importantly not at all intimidating. Even though I was well out of my league, I was made to feel at ease and comfortable enough to make an absolute geek of myself. After my class I had a chat with Greg to get all the info a Pilates virgin would ever need…
Equipment/clothing required: If you attend a class, all you need is yourself, a bottle of water and maybe a towel. Dress in comfortable but fairly tight fitting clothing so it’s easy for your instructor to see how your body reacts to the different workouts. The gym will supply all the equipment you will need.
Benefits of doing Pilates: Pilates helps increase your postural awareness and re-educates you, helping you find out how to move in the most correct and beneficial matter. There is a strong focus on toning muscles, making them strong but not adding extra bulk. Pilates aims to inspire people to understand the strength of their bodies, and correct movement patterns.
Who Pilates is good for: There is no particular target group, Pilates is for everyone. It can be used by elite sports people right down to young children. Greg said that the youngest person he’s coached was 12-years-old, and the oldest was 80. It is for anyone who wants to move better using the muscles they already have, more effectively.
General costs: This can differ depending on where you go. At All Sports Pilates, it is approximately $20pp for a mat class. If you attend a longer class like the one I went to, which was 90min long, it costs about $30pp. Mat classes are conducted on the mats (surprise, surprise) and include the use of different equipment like large rubber strips, hard foam rolls, and a sort of rubber halo used for resistance exercises. To use the machines it cost about $30pp. For one on one coaching, it’s $80 per hour or $70 concession. For you and a mate to get private coaching together, it’s $45pp per hour or a concession fee of $40pp.
Class vs at home workout: If you want the cheaper option then a home workout is the way to go, with various video/DVD workouts you can pick up for as little as $20. However, at home you do not get the same support as you get with going to a class. At a class you have someone keeping you safe, who can see what you are doing and correct you if needed; and also the motivation to push yourself harder thus making the intensity higher. Greg said it’s very important to have someone who can show you the correct techniques to begin with, so you don't fall into bad habits which can usually lead to your workouts being more harmful than productive.
Key tips for beginners: Get assessed first, this will show where in your body you are weak and strong; or where there are imbalances. It is vital to get the basics mastered first and to understand the idea of ‘Core Stability’ (having a strong core, the area leading down from your shoulders to your pelvis is a key aspect of Pilates). Once you have done this it is easier and safer for you to progress appropriately. Greg also said it’s important never to compare yourself to others, everyone is different, and each workout Greg insures that he covers moves which are beneficial for everyone.
Tonia
Special offer for nzgirls Book an AllSports Pilates Class or Private Pilates & Fitness Session and mention you’re a nzgirl to get 50% off your first session or class. Phone (09) 373 3800 or emailinfo@allsportspilates.co.nz, www.allsportspilates.co.nz
We sent Tonia, one of nzgirl’s writers, along to try a mat class at AllSports Pilates. Find out how she coped with the experience and what’s involved in your typical Pilates class…
No words at all could explain the actual experience as I was too busy either crying or laughing. Just kidding, but to be honest I have never done an exercise where I have worked absolutely every muscle in my body. Because I have quite tight muscles and was thrown into the deep end in an advanced class, this was rather painful! 
everyone was having a productive workout, keeping the atmosphere light and fun, yet very professional. I am very grateful to him for being patient with me and making sure I didn’t kill myself.
bodies, and correct movement patterns. 
option then a home workout is the way to go, with various video/DVD workouts you can pick up for as little as $20. However, at home you do not get the same support as you get with going to a class. At a class you have someone keeping you safe, who can see what you are doing and correct you if needed; and also the motivation to push yourself harder thus making the intensity higher. Greg said it’s very important to have someone who can show you the correct techniques to begin with, so you