May Newsletter - Power Of Pilates

Bootcamps are back!

Many of you have been asking for another Pilates Bootcamp to get toned up for summer and I am pleased to confirm the dates and times below

Sat 30 May: 10:00am
Sat 30 May: 11:30am

The classes will last for an hour and a half and will be held at the Power of Pilates Studio, Lower Earley. Please email me to reserve your space. Places will be allocated on first come, first served basis so please let me know your preferred session as soon as possible. The cost will be £10.00 per session and payment must be received by 16 May in order to hold your place

Celebrity Pilates fans – Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical star)

"My secret to flat abs is Pilates"
“Self” magazine, May 09

Did you know…

That May 2nd was Pilates Day?! Each year on the first Saturday in May, the Pilates world celebrates the day with a selection of international events..

Pilates Studio Equipment Tasters…

We had a fun afternoon of taster sessions on the Pilates equipment on April 25th and it was great to see so many of you try it out!.

I have had several requests for another taster day as some of you couldn’t make it – if you are interested in booking a taster session then please email me and I will get one booked in. The taster session is £10.00 for 40 minutes with 3 people in a class; this will include a mat warm up, approx 30 minutes on the equipment and a cool down on the mat. Normal price for an hour group session of 4 people will be £20.00 per person and a one to one is £45.00

Joke of the month

A new balance move for your classes?!

Thanks to Kate English for sending this image in

Neutral Spine

Neutral spine is the natural position of the spine when all 3 curves of the spine - cervical (neck), thoracic (middle) and lumbar (lower) are present and in good alignment, i.e. not putting any pressure on the spine. This is the strongest position for the spine; when the spine is in a natural S shape the weight of the body is supported, movement is more fluid and wear and tear on the discs is minimized as both its discs and natural curves enable it to absorb shock and to move freely. By keeping your spine in neutral, your joints will receive less stress and muscles can function better

Everybody has a different ‘neutral’ – the emphasis is on keeping the spine in correct alignment. Once you move out of neutral you are placing strain on the vertebrae and discs supporting you by compressing one area and stretching another. Our lifestyle often involves long periods of sitting, either at desks, in front of computer screens and / or slouching in front of the television. These kinds of activities encourage the spine to move out of its natural S shape which can lead to conditions such as lower back pain and round shoulders

The main muscles involved in supporting a neutral postural alignment lie deep under the surface and include the Transversus Abdominus, the Lumbar Multifidus, the diaphragm and the muscles of the Pelvic Floor. Unlike global muscles such as the biceps that are easy to see and use, these postural muscles can initially be difficult to locate and activate but become second nature with time and practice. Pilates helps identify and use these supportive muscles and encourages you to use your core muscles throughout the class – and in everyday life! Remember, as with any muscle, you need to train it to become stronger, so don’t just leave it to your hour in a class, you can practice engaging your lower abdominals anywhere!

Congratulations to...

Congratulations to Jenny on the birth of Joshua on 30th March. Both mum and baby are doing great!

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