What is Mat Based Pilates?

Pilates is a physical, structured form of exercise which challenges the mind as well as the body. It helps to strengthen and tone muscles, increase flexibility and postural awareness. Pilates focuses on increasing core strength and the surrounding areas. The work is balanced throughout the body making it an all over body workout without the read face and sweat.

Most of the exercises are performed on the floor, although the increasing trend for standing means that you will experience many standing functional exercises (that you would use in everyday living).

A large percentage of participants come to class with an injury or condition., most of these can be accommodated and Mel holds a qualification in Pilates for orthorpaedic conditions.  Adaptions can be made but Mel will need to know of any before the class commences (for safety reasons clients are asked to complete a medical disclosure – this is common practice.) If you choose not to disclose any medical injury or condition, you exercise at your own risk.

Some Pilates classes will use small equipment such as bands, rollers, chi balls straps and hand weights. These can add variety to the workout, increase the intensity of the workout or be used to help clients gain more from their workout. You will be advised if you are expected to bring anything with you.

What to expect from a class:

10 minute warm up that includes exercises to warm the muscles, lubricate the joints and exercises to practise that may come later in the main section.

40 minute main section that includes a mixture of exercises that strengthen the muscles and those that move the joints.  These will be in various positions on the floor.

5-10 minute cool down stretches the muscles used and the muscles that are typically tight, sometimes followed by a relaxation period.

Community classes are very friendly.  Often participants coming for the first time meet people they know and make new friends. MBFitness encourages everyone to join in discussion with humour and act in an inclusive fashion. If you are nervous when you arrive, I hope that you will quickly be at ease.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

*increase strength in your abdominal area and back muscles

*increase strength and visual muscle tone in other muscles around the body

*increased flexibility – more supple joints

*a greater awareness of posture

*you are likely to feel relaxed after and sleep better

*increase balance

*meet new friends/social interaction

*increased function of the pelvic floor

* coordination is challenged

Here is what some clients have said about Pilates

I have been attending Mel’s Pilates classes for a year. Having started as a complete beginner I  worried that I wouldn’t be able to  do the exercises, as two years ago I had an operation on my spine. But thanks to Mel’s patient approach and her great sense of humour I enjoy every minute of her class. We are taught a variety of exercises and Mel is attentive and encouraging . I now feel much stronger and fitter. It’s a pleasure to attend Mel’s classes.  Iryna Reed.

Mel’s instruction in Pilates and Pure Stretch sessions is excellent! Her descriptions about how to move, how to position yourself, how quickly or slowly and why you’re doing it is so clear and straight forward. Her keen eye also means she points out your good work and, when needs be, she’ll swiftly advise you how to improve. I have confidence in Mel’s sessions-she definitely makes me feel safe that I’m not going to injure my dodgy knee or hip in any of her classes! Georgina, Cardiff.

Family Pilates

Three family Pilates sessions were trialed in the summer 2018.  The classes were great fun and feedback received was really positive. What’s more, the children that came got really “into it” and parents loved spending time with their children.

If you are interested in attending a family Pilates session once a month in Caldicot, please contact Mel. If there is enough interest, Mel would love to teach this again.

Estimated cost: £5 per adult / £1 per child