Discovering the Power of Pilates

Words Hannah Siemer

The popularity of Pilates has skyrocketed in recent years, with the industry now estimated to be worth more than $600 million in Australia alone. However, the practice is far from a new fitness craze, having been around for almost 100 years. Developed by German Joseph Pilates in New York in the late 1920s, Pilates has evolved from a method of rehabilitation for soldiers and dancers to a popular choice of exercise for people with varying health and fitness goals. Though Joseph’s work has been modernised, advancing as we learn more about the human body, the six principles of his original method remain: Breath, concentration, centering, control, precision, and flow.

W HAT IS P ILATES ?

According to the UK’s Pilates Foundation, Pilates is a holistic exercise system designed to elongate, strengthen, and restore the body to balance. Exercises involve the whole body and are performed on a mat or using a spring-assisted apparatus, known as a reformer. Sometimes small pieces of equipment are used, too, like balls, rings, and resistance bands.

Local physiotherapist Kira Vermeersch has been teaching Pilates since 2020 and opened her own studio, By The Bay Pilates, last year. She says Pilates is multifunctional and can be tailored to suit people’s different needs. “I love how versatile Pilates can be,” Kira says. “It can be a gentle, low impact form of exercise or a high intensity, high impact form of exercise.”

W HO IS P ILATES FOR ?

Erin Cummings owns local fitness studio Salty Fit and instructs around 20 mat and reformer Pilates sessions a week. Erin says Pilates is suitable for just about anyone, including those recovering from injury, people with hypermobility and joint issues, athletes, pre- and post-natal women, and those new to exercise. “The list goes on!” she says. “I teach a range of ages, body types, and genders.”

W HAT ARE THE BENEFITS ?

Rochelle Baker, owner of local studio Cornerstone Pilates, has been practising Pilates for around 20 years and instructing for almost a decade. She says Pilates is beneficial for both mental and physical wellbeing, from challenging strength and flexibility to reducing anxiety and loneliness. In the years she’s been practising, Pilates has assisted Rochelle in a variety of ways, like recovering from birth and providing a reprieve from the daily grind. “It makes me stronger, I have better balance, it gives me greater mental clarity, and makes me less snappy,” Rochelle says.

Kira agrees that the benefits of Pilates are many and varied. “It is an empowering form of physical activity,” she says. “It makes my clients feel strong, it connects them with mind and breath, it improves movement patterns, strength, endurance, and balance. In my career as a physio, I promote movement and activity in a safe, structured, and progressive way, and Pilates allows a lot of people to do this.” ⟶

W HERE DO I BEGIN ?

Trying a new type of exercise can be daunting, particularly if it means turning up to a group session on your own. But all three local studios, as well as the Bay of Isles Leisure Centre, offer a welcoming environment and encourage beginners to have a go. Chatting with a Pilates instructor before booking your first class is a great idea. You might like to seek advice on whether you’re better starting out with mat or reformer Pilates, and whether a group class or a private session will suit you better. It also gives you an opportunity to discuss any injuries or health concerns you have, and where you’re at in your fitness journey.

Kira recommends booking a 1:1 or 2:1 class first, so your specific concerns or goals can be addressed, and you can be closely monitored. But even if you’re in a bigger group, your instructor will have their eye on you, particularly if you’re a first timer. With your approval, they might be hands on, adjusting your position to ensure you’re executing an exercise correctly to reap its benefits and avoid injury. Don’t be embarrassed! This is totally normal and is all part of getting the best out of your practice.

Rochelle says it’s important beginners leave their expectations at the door. “Lower the bar on where you expect you should be, and then lower it again,” she says. “Do what you can, rest when you need, but keep on showing up.” Erin agrees that consistency is key, advising those just starting out to, “Have fun, be consistent and always ask questions.”

Practising Pilates In Esperance

No matter your reason for wanting to practise Pilates, there’s a class, time, and instructor to suit you.

Bay Of Isles Leisure Centre

www.esperance.wa.gov.au/bay-isles-leisure-centre

An easy-going, friendly environment with approachable instructors. Offering four mat Pilates classes a week.

BY THE BAY PILATES

www.bythebaypilates.squarespace.com

An inclusive community of like-minded people who enjoy moving their bodies and improving their general wellbeing. Expect laughs, fiery exercises, and a coffee after class. Offering beginner, intermediate, stretch, and private classes on both the mat and the reformer.

Cornerstone Pilates

A diverse community of people, ranging from their late teens to their 80s, practising Pilates in a light and calming space. Offering mat, reformer, and private classes six days a week. Call or text Rochelle on 0428 850 669 for further information and to make a booking.

SALTY FIT www.saltyfitpersonaltraining.com

A safe and welcoming space with big smiles, good music, and Erin’s beloved plants dangling around. Offering a variety of low and high intensity in-studio and outdoor mat classes, as well as 4:1 reformer classes, six days a week. Private sessions are also available.