Pilates

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Soooo here we have it Pilates classes from M-Power,

• Monday 1730-1830, online via Zoom. 
• Wednesday 1900-2000, face to face at the Girnal Hall, Auchterarder
• Friday 0930-1030, face to face at Auchterarder Pavilion, top park, Auchterarder.

As an APPI trained Pilates instructor, my classes are mat based with small pieces of equipment. Bringing your own is essential (COVID, you know how it is!); rings, rollers, small balls, hand weights, bands...all the usual suspects!

Great for runners, riders, golfers, lifers of all ages and stages. Pilates is about helping you get strong and stay strong! With regular input it makes a lasting difference to your sport performance and in all other areas of your life. Like all good regular exercise it can be the element to give you power and control over your aches and pains, so worth considering I'd say...

Do drop me a line or come and see me if you are interested and fancy a chat. Online options are PAYG £8 or a block of 6 for £45. If a more intimate and focused experience is what you are after then the one to one 60 minute sessions tailored to your confidence level are available. If you feel that you want to give it a go with a friend or family member making it a shared experience then the one to two 60 minute sessions are also available.

You can mix and match how you use your block if you want to do 2 classes a week for 3 weeks or one a week for 6 weeks or any other way you like I'm ok with that. But once the block is done it's done and you start again!

So if the class format is not for you and a more specific attention then the one to one session might be more up your street! 

Based at Glenruthven Mill a 60 minute session of focused mat based Pilates. This is suitable for both beginners and experienced individuals. A great chance to invest in yourself for a better, stronger you which can be done solo or with a friend!

Reformer Pilates is similar yet very different to mat based Pilates. Reformer Pilates is done using the Pilates reformer machine and is generally more intense and more dynamic than mat based Pilates. The addition of resistance to the Pilates exercises via the use of the springs which form part of the machine makes it a more challenging experience.

Reformer Pilates can be used as a sport specific cross training tool. This works on core stabilisation which is vital to any athlete as well as muscle endurance, lactate tolerance, peripheral joint stability, muscle strength, balance, co-ordination and much more.

Reformer Pilates is great for rehab purposes too as it allows the client to exercise in a horizontal plane of motion and not be vertically loaded and weight bearing through their legs. For example if a client has had knee surgery or a knee injury, this horizontal plane enables you to strengthen the muscles of the leg through a larger range of motion using a lighter resistance than their body weight, increasing confidence in their recovery through controlled movement.

 I have done Pilates with other instructors but I have really enjoyed Mairi's classes. Mairi is very positive and encouraging and explained techniques well even if I didn't always manage to achieve what she said! I felt I really gained benefit from doing Pilates with equipment. The fact that Mairi is a qualified physiotherapist means you feel you are in safe hands. - Sue

 I’ve been doing Pilates once or twice a week with Mairi for several years, starting off face to face pre lockdown and continuing on Zoom. These sessions are proving invaluable for me in developing my core strength and being able to keep up cycling and running whilst remaining injury free. Mairi’s sessions are well prepared and varied and she tailors the exercises to those in the room – and we have fun too! - SY

 Since being treated by Mairi in her capacity as a physio I have joined her Pilates classes. I have been troubled with twinges in my back for some time and since starting Pilates with her my back is absolutely fine. Most people in the class are there because of pain in some part of their back or limbs and I can say with certainty that we have benefitted from having Pilates with someone who is so qualified and knowledgeable.  - AL

 I originally went to Mairi as I had lower back pain. She was very thorough and gave me my physio routine which got it sorted. As a long term suggestion, she advised me Pilates would help. I’ve been doing Pilates ever since with Mairi and it’s kept the back pain at bay  - Claire M.

 Mairi was my Pilates teacher before becoming my physio and its safe to say she is brilliant at both.  Her face-to-face Pilates classes were some of the best classes I have attended and although she makes you work hard, there are lots of laughs along the way and by the end of the class you feel you have achieved something good.  Sadly, Covid struck, and not to be deterred, Mairi switched very swiftly to Zoom which definitely kept me going through what was a difficult time for everyone and I look forward to joining her face-to-face classes in the future.  - Gill

 I have been participating in Mairi's Pilates classes for a few months now and they are exactly what I was looking for. I like to push myself and always feel like I have worked at each session. Every move and posture is explained thoroughly and I actually really look forward to the sessions. Would definitely recommend these sessions to everyone. - NMcNB 

Pilates aims to strengthen the body in an even way, with particular emphasis on core strength to improve general fitness and wellbeing.

Pilates was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates, who believed mental and physical health were closely connected. 

Pilates has something to offer people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness, from beginners to elite athletes. The apparatus can be used to provide support for beginners and people with certain medical conditions, as well as resistance for people looking to challenge their body. Before starting any exercise programme, it’s advisable to seek advice from your GP or a health professional if you have any health concerns, such as a health condition or an injury.

There is evidence that Pilates can provide pain relief to people with non-specific lower back pain. The use of apparatus enables someone with back pain to perform exercises with support. For the exercises to be effective, they need to be tailored to the individual and vetted by an appropriately qualified health professional.

Pilates is classed as a muscle-strengthening activity, which can help you maintain a healthy weight. Classes can vary in intensity: they can be gentle, or dynamic and offer a solid workout. If you want to lose weight, you’re advised to combine Pilates with a healthy diet and some aerobic activities, such as swimming, walking and cycling.

Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, so injuries are uncommon. However, it’s important that you find a qualified teacher and a class suited to your level of fitness and ability. If you’re recovering from injury, you are advised to check with your GP or relevant health professional on the suitability of certain exercises or movements before starting a class.

For more information follow this link to further information about the history of Pilates.