The Body Suite - pilates

So many people suffer from posture related problems and lower back pain. Even with rest and treatment there can still be a 90% chance of the problem reoccurring.

Using the Pilates technique reduces the chance of that bad back returning to 30%. Pilates is increasingly being used by physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors. GPs and consultants also refer patients to Pilates classes.

Those who are healthy are still able to gain many benefits from practising Pilates technique. The main benefit maybe to reduce the future likelihood of injury.

Pilates can be approached in several different ways depending on your health issues and present injuries. Pilates  conditions the spine, concentrating on strengthening the deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor that support the lower back.

We call these deep abdominal muscles our “core”. Research in back pain has consistently shown the importance of these deep abdominal muscles.

Attention to your posture will be the first task within your Pilates sessions. . .

Finding  what we call a “neutral” position for your pelvis, spine and ribcage, then strengthening your “core”, stabilising and mobilising your shoulders and aligning the neck. Practising the Pilates technique can enable you to gain many other health benefits  to improve your daily lifestyles.

Pilates strengthens and lengthens muscles, increases the flexibility of the spine, aids balance and propreoseption, and re-educates the nervous system to create functional flowing movements. Deep breathing is a primary focus which promotes relaxation, circulation, expands lung capacity and boosts your energy levels.

Pilates is slower and the movements are subtle and controlled. At first your mat work class may seem boring. But it is vital to get the technique correct first before moving onto the next level.

Pilates is for everybody. We are all individuals, some of us have more needs and goals than others. After a short while you will begin to feel the benefits. You will start to feel stronger, taller, more agile and be more aware of your posture. In order to progress we would encourage you to do a minimum of 2 classes a week, this can be combined with a home workout plan.


The Equipment Studio
As you may or may not be aware, as well as mat work Pilates, ‘The Body Suite’ offers Pilates on the specially designed and top of the line Balanced Body™ Pilates Equipment, which you are very privileged to have on your “doorstep” here in Chichester.  You will not find a better equipped studio in this area.


We realize that many people are unfamiliar with using the Equipment. As you already know Pilates is slower and more subtle than your average gym work-out. The Equipment exercises require you to have some basic knowledge of your body, which is achieved through a kind of mat-type repertoire for warming-up and focusing on specific muscle groups. The Equipment exercises work with and against resistance springs, pulleys and props whilst the body is placed in the best position to use the targeted muscle groups effectively and in conjunction with your core-stability.

The results are a body that not only looks better but feels better, taller (a straighter but more relaxed posture) and infinitely more supple. All sessions are a combination of mat work and the designed use of the equipment. The results are not instantaneous. A lot is up to the clients’ muscular awareness, patience and commitment to doing Pilates regularly and consistently.

Two sessions per week is generally recommended for the best results, although if once per week is what you wish, short sessions daily at home in mat-work form can still afford you good results; and you will find that you will start paying attention to how you are holding your body and which muscles you are engaging (or not!) during your everyday routine. You will learn how to apply the principles of Pilates to nearly everything that you do and feel better for it. Joseph Pilates said. . .

“In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you will have a whole new body.”

All clients who would like to include the use of the specialised equipment as part of your weekly program will be required to have an assessment. This is essential so that you can be provided with the best individualised education (all sessions with equipment are personalized and follow a strictly individual process that addresses your well-being and the goals you might have for your body over-all.)
This includes a physical assessment, specific mat work exercises, an explanation of how the trapeze table, reformer and combination chair is used for your individual programme. After the assessment you will be able to use the studio for 1-1, 2-1 or group classes and workshops.