Mat Classes
Jump to a class:
Beginners | Gentle | Intermediate | Trim and Toned | Advanced
Pregnancy | Mums and Bubs
Beginners
Mat classes start with the 5 week Beginners Mat Course (these run throughout the year at our Stirling and Parkside Studios). If the Beginners Course times are not suitable, clients are able to attend 3 x 1:1 sessions (30 mins) or 3 x 2:1 sessions (60 mins) with one of our physiotherapists. For each of these 3 options, it is essential to first attend an Initial Consultation (45 mins) with one of our physios. On completion, clients can choose from Gentle, Intermediate, Trim and Toned and Advanced classes which run regularly throughout the week.
Click here for current Beginners Course Info Sheet
We recommend that clients wishing to join the Beginners Course should be of reasonable health with no acute injuries. If you are interested in Mat classes but have a specific injury, we strongly suggest you attend a physiotherapy assessment and 3 x 1:1 sessions (30 mins). After this, you may attend Gentle Mat classes (approximately 6) and then try out our Intermediate Mat classes.
Gentle
This class is suitable for clients who have completed Beginner’s Course or attended Pilates 1:1’s; suitable for Pre and Postnatal (all Pre/Postnatal clients must have had an individual assessment and a minimum of 3 x 1:1’s); also appropriate for those with injuries wanting to work at a more gentle basic pace.
Intermediate
This class is suitable for those who want to progress from the Gentle or Beginners Course who feel they have a good understanding of basic Pilates principles; small equipment is sometimes used and includes Magic Circle, Foam Roller, hand weights, ChiBall, Fit Ball and Theraband which all assist and challenge exercises further.
Trim and Toned
This class focuses on toning the buttocks, flattening the abdominals and trimming up the legs. Aimed at a late Intermediate level, it is a challenging class, leaving you feeling strong, toned and trim.
Advanced
This class is for clients who wish to work at a high level of Pilates difficulty. Clients need a minimum of 3 months regular experience at an Intermediate level and should have no acute injuries. Clients need to be attending 2 classes per week on a regular basis to be suitably prepared for this Advanced class.
Pregnancy
Pre/Post natal
A Physiotherapy/Pilates assessment and 3 x 30 minute 1:1's (all claimable with most (all claimable with most Private Health funds) are essential before joining any of our Pregnancy classes. Exercises in this class focus on strengthening the body to assist with the postural changes associated with pregnancy as well as the demands of labour. Pelvic floor and abdominal muscle strengthening as well as pregnancy education are a strong focus in the class.
The benefits of Pilates exercises during pregnancy include reduced fatigue, back and pelvic pain relief, fewer incontinence problems during and after pregnancy, and faster recovery after the birth.
Postnatal clients are advised to wait 3 weeks if they have had a natural birth and 6 weeks if they have had a Caesarian section before returning to class. A 45 minute physiotherapy consultation is mandatory before returning to class to assess rectus diastasis separation, pelvic floor conditioning and teach specific postnatal home exercises.
Mums and Bubs
This class is suitable for postnatal mums (3-6 weeks+ from delivery). Clients are invited to bring their new babies (up to 6 months) along and include them in the Pilates exercises. A fun and social class designed to encourage networking with other new mums and help regain pre-pregnancy shape. Aimed a transitory class, clients should feel comfortable to attend Intermediate Mat classes after 4-8 Mums and Bubs classes.
If clients are attending Pilates classes for the first time, they are required first to attend a Physiotherapy/Pilates assessment in addition to 3 x 30 min 1:1's (all claimable with most Private Health Funds).
Postnatal clients are advised to wait 3 weeks if they have had a natural birth and 6 weeks if they have had a Caesarian section before returning to class. We strongly recommend a 30 minute physiotherapy consultation before returning to class to assess rectus diastasis separation and teach some specific postnatal home exercises.