Pilates (pronounced pi-lah-tees) was created by Joseph Pilates (1880 - 1967). He was born in Mönchengladbach, Germany, a small town near Dusseldorf. His father was born in Greece, a prize-winning gymnast and his mother was born in German, a naturopath.

What can Pilates do for you?

Pilates works from the centre of our body outwards, instead of from the mind inwards, and it forces us to increase body awareness in a way many people haven’t experienced before.

  • It’s designed to rehabilitate as well as work on health and fitness.

  • It teaches balance and control of the body without going for the burn and injury.

  • It uses small, concentrated movements that come from the brain – you’ll discover, use and feel parts of your body that you didn’t know you could before.

  • It engages and moves practically the whole body over the time from the brain outwards.

  • It doesn’t just go through the motions of exercise as with gyms etc., or aim to get into meditative state as with yoga. Yoga releases the mind, pilates fills the mind up.

  • It shows concentrated movement is just as relaxing as meditation– it works with our bodies and minds in a completely different way.

Improve your swings

Pilates is great for perfecting your golf game. Most recreational golfers spend a lot of time and money working on their golf swing but very little time preparing their bodies for golf itself. With pilates you can develop a certain kind of strength - a core, inner strength. This helps with the physical side of golf, while also balancing the mind for extra focus during games.

 

Connect to your inner strength for golfing perfection

Pilates develops core/inner strength in a different way to most exercise, including yoga. Pilates is based on movement from the center of the body, as are most shots in golf. Strengthening the core or center of the body improves hip rotation, range of motion in the shoulders and back stability leading to more powerful and accurate golf shots. Small, focussed, movements improve body awareness which helps throughout playing all holes. Agility, flexibility and movement are also improved, good for the game itself.

 

What will you do in pilates for golf?

The Aalaya team will take you on a physical journey that will strengthen your body and mind as you work to improve your handicap and your game generally. Their studio is equipped with top of the range equipment and mat work programs that are designed for you.

 

Golfing performance benefits

Core strength - A stronger core is essential for proper movement patterns in your golf swing as it elongates and aligns the spine for better stability, and builds up the back muscles evenly. This creates a smoother and more powerful swing - with evenly conditioned back muscles.

 

Golf posture - Proper posture is important for proper rotation in your golf swing. Better posture will increase your dubhead speed leading to more length off the tee, with less fatigue as there’s less strain on the body. You will be able to hold your position long enough to play through a shot effectively.

 

Flexibility and strength - Attain an optimal backswing and follow-through with increased range of motion in the shoulder. You’ll get more distance and power because of increased hip and torso flexibility. You will also gain muscular strength to be able to hold one segment of your body stable while being flexible enough to move another. This ensures pain-free golf!

 

Balance - On the psychological side, a balanced body to mind flow enhances concentration for the game. Physically, with better balance, you can stabilize your feet for powerful weight shifts during golf swings.

 

 

Connect to your inner strength during or after pregnancy

Pilates develops core/inner strength in a different way to most exercise, including yoga. It is particularly good for pregnancy as it uses precisely controlled movement of the body, that radiates outwards, balancing the mind. As ligaments loosen and the body changes drastically to prepare itself for birth, we work with you to ensure health of your core, body and mind, without overstraining, in low impact and medically approved exercise.

 

What will you do in pre or postnatal classes?

The Aalaya team will take you on a physical journey that will strengthen your body and focus your mind throughout pregnancy and beyond. Their studio is equipped with top of the range equipment and mat work programs are specially designed for the entire 40 weeks and into your post labour recovery. Power through pregnancy the Aalaya Pilates way.

 

Prenatal pilates

In our prenatal program you’ll:

  • strengthen your deep abdominal muscles to support the extra weight.

  • learn to connect with the pelvic floor muscles for labour preparation.

  • strengthen, stabilize and stretch the muscles supporting all joints.

  • strengthen your deep back muscles for spinal support.

  • learn breathing techniques the pilates way.

 

**For women in the 1st trimester, we ask that you seek clearance from your doctor before starting the Pilates program.

You can join our weekly prenatal mat classes /group reformer or a personalised equipment classes.

 

Postnatal pilates

The postnatal program is specially designed for women exercising after giving birth. You’ll need to see your doctor to make sure your body is ready for exercise again before starting. Gently rebuilding the body’s strength, it will help you reconnect with your body and recover. You’ll:

  • redevelop your core in the form of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.

  • strengthen the upper body & improve posture.

  • focus on breath.

  • connect to your mind through your body in a totally new way. The Aalaya Pilates way.