Improve flexibility, general mobility and strength with this month-long Pilates calendar.
Our summer calendar focuses on stretches and exercises to get the whole body moving as well as continuing to build on strengthening our core muscles.
It is a programme designed to help keep you active and support you in doing the things you love to do. So…lets get moving!
This is a progressive calendar – starting with some more gentle classes before gradually increasing the level of intensity each week. Finishing with some tougher level classes that incorporate more challenging movements.
Please always work to a level that you feel comfortable and safe to do. I hope you enjoy it.
Anti gravity Pilates movements and sequences – Learn how to undertake Pilates movements without the pull of gravity….
April fools 🙂
I can’t teach you how to escape the pull of gravity. But if you’d like to follow our latest month long Pilates calendar focusing on upper body and core strength and mobility you can find that here:
Our new spring calendar aims to mobilise and strengthen through the upper body as well as continuing to strengthen through our core and abdominal muscles.
The calendar focuses on a range of exercise sequences that challenge our movement control and connect our upper body and lower limb movements together. The new classes in the calendar get progressively harder throughout the month and add new challenges each week. By week three we have the option of using some hand weights (0.5kg-1kg weights) during some of the exercises, but you can still do all the exercises without using a weight if you prefer.
Please always work to a level that you feel comfortable and safe to do. I hope you enjoy it.
All classes are provided for free so they’re accessible for everyone. However, if you are enjoying the classes and would like to make a contribution, donations are much appreciated. Thank you.
This fitness-focused Pilates calendar mixes traditional Pilates sequences and fluid movements to raise the heart rate and build strength and mobility.
Set over the course of a month and offering 3 classes a week, this calendar utilises some of our favourite classes with new workouts specifically aimed to help improve fitness, strength and mobility.
The calendar is progressive, building in intensity and difficulty through the month and hopefully leave you feeling fitter and stronger!
It is important to note however, that although we aim to make our classes as accessible as possible, you should always ensure you go to a level you are comfortable with. In many classes different options are given to cater for a variety of abilities.
I do hope you enjoy the calendar. If you’d like to leave me a comment on the bottom of this page I’d love to hear how you’re getting on.
As the year draws to a close we look back at the classes you liked the most.
We have such a wonderful community following Pilates Live. With a wide range of experience and interests and this is certainly reflected in which classes were the most followed and commented upon this year. If you haven’t tried some of the below, may be now is the time to try 🙂
Easier class:
This is a mat based class working on areas of the body to support good posture. It focuses on stretching the spine and strengthening around the upper back and core muscles.
Full body mat based class working from our tops to our toes. This class includes both stretching and strengthening movements for lots of different areas of the body and has proven a firm favourite with many of you.
Class focuses on movements to encourage lengthening of the spine and body as well as strengthening of our core and glute muscles. This class got a lot of positive feedback.
Enjoy this relaxed class designed to gently work your body and stretch your muscles. Ideal after a tiring or stressful day or before bed to help switch off and relax
…And if you don’t fancy any of these classes, you can search more classes on our ‘find a Pilates class‘ page.
I hope you enjoyed the classes this year and are looking forward to our 2022 classes – starting with a brand new Pilates calendar for January! I look forward to seeing you.
In the meantime, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We asked what we could do to improve our classes. Here’s what you said.
It is so important to us that we are providing you with the best classes possible. And your input is vital in making that possible. So a HUGE thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts. We were really blown away by the response and have read every single comment and suggestion….it really means a lot being able to hear your experiences.
So. What was the feedback?
Preferred class length
The majority prefer classes lasting between 30-45 minutes. While a third of you like having all the options.
Looking ahead
Moving forward we will continue to create a range of classes. But will try to ensure there is plenty of classes in the 30-45 minute bracket.
Class difficulty
We asked if we’re categorising the classes correctly. Nearly 90% of you agreed that we are.
Looking ahead
It is important for us to continue creating a range of classes to suit everyone in our Pilates community. We’re really pleased we’re generally getting the difficulty levels correct. We will continue to create a range of of classes but maybe we’ll look to design a few tougher classes that are even more tough, to suit those who are very experienced and looking for more of a challenge.
Month long calendars
Last year we created a month-long Pilates calendar roughly every quarter. We asked how popular they were. It appears there is a real mix, with about 70% of you following them at least some of the time.
Looking ahead
Given that the calendars are generally popular we will continue creating them at the current rate – about 4 a year. We feel this gives a good mix for those that follow and enjoy the calendars as well as keeping a varied range of new classes for those that also like to choose.
Areas of the body
There is a real interest in more classes focusing on all areas of the body. It appears that classes focusing on the core, back and upper body a slightly more popular. (This question allowed you to select multiple options).
Looking ahead
As there is a desire to continue making classes that focus on all part so of the body, so we will continue to do so with perhaps a slight increase in core, back and upper body classes.
Using Pilates equipment
The desire for more classes using Pilates equipment is split almost 50-50
Looking ahead
Currently we do not have many classes available that utilise Pilates equipment. We will look to create more so there is a greater range for those that have that preference. Of course, well continue making plenty of new classes that do not rely on equipment too.
Types of equipment
For those interested in more classes using Pilates equipment, we asked what the preferences would be. There was a broad interest in all the equipment offered with a particular interest in more classes using the resistance band.
Looking ahead
We will look to provide more classes using all equipment. With a particular focus on providing new classes with the resistance band.
Other feedback
In addition to the options above there was also an option to write specific feedback and comments. Just to re-iterate we have gone through everything and taken on board these suggestions as well as been blown away by your comments! It is wonderful to hear how about your experiences of using the classes – so thank you so much for taking the time to let us know.
Core control and stability, progressive Pilates programme
Join us for our Autumn Pilates calendar.
The theme of this month’s calendar is core control.
Core stability relates to the region of the body that is bounded by the abdominal wall, the pelvis, the lower back and the diaphragm and its ability to stabilise the body during movement. This can often be thought of as the body’s natural corset. Ensuring core strength and stability is vital to ensure a healthy, sustainable movement for our daily lives as well as for exercise and sport.
As we work through the month we begin with easier classes, building in intensity throughout the month to challenge ourselves to a greater degree. As always, classes will include variations of difficulty – so please work to a level you are comfortable with, only progressing if you feel you are ready.
This calendar will follow our usual format of mixing brand new classes as well as utilising some of our old favourites.
I do hope you enjoy it. Please let me know in the comments at the bottom of the page.
Get up and get going with our summer Pilates calendar focusing on flexibility and mobility.
Working our way through this calendar we utilise a mix of brand new classes alongside some of our existing favourites to challenge, stretch and mobilise all areas of our body.
Throughout the month the series introduces a mix of class lengths and variations with an overall focus on improving mobility and flexibility.
Many of the classes offer variations of exercises to suit all levels and give you the opportunity to challenge yourself more throughout the month (should you wish to)
I hope you like it (feel free to leave a message at the bottom of this page).
With extended periods of time sitting at a desk staring into screens, many of us may have noticed our posture worsening. This can go on to cause back, neck or leg pain as well as potentially lead to other complications. In this blog I outline some Pilates-based movements and stretches that can work to improve our posture and reduce or prevent occurrences of posture-related pain.
Pilates aims to improve strength, flexibility and body alignment. These principles are why Pilates exercises are so beneficial in improving posture. Pilates exercises help to strengthen muscles that are responsible and contribute to good posture. Muscles that become tight or weak can lead to muscle imbalances and poor alignment of our spines.
We are designed to move so regular movement is key, especially if you spend long periods of time at a desk. Exercises that help to encourage movement though our spines as well as challenge and strengthen core muscles are a great way to improve your posture.
Pilates Swimming
Starting in a four point kneeling (all fours) position. Your knees should be directly under your hips and hands just slightly forwards to your shoulders. The elbows should be soft so the insides of the elbows are facing each other. Your head and neck should be long and aligned with the spine and the pelvis in a neutral position.
Swimming exercise
Inhale to prepare.
Exhale reaching your right arm forwards, at the same time reach the opposite leg away and off the mat as far as you can control.
Inhale and bring the leg and arm back to the start position.
Lying on your back with your knees bent, your feet approximately hip width apart on a foam roller and your arms down by your side. Keep your neck long and collar bones wide. Core engaged.
Bridging exercise
Take a breath in and on your outbreath engage your bottom (glute) muscles. Tilt your pelvis backwards (posteriorly) and gradually peel your spine off the matt and into a bridge position.
Inhale to hold this position and as your exhale slowly lower your spine back onto the mat.
Starting in a four point kneeling (all fours) position. Your knees should be directly under your hips, moving your hands another hands width in front of your shoulders.
Plank exercise with leg lifts
Hover knees approximately one inch off the mat then extend forwards to form a plank position. Inhale to hold this position.
Exhale lift one leg off the mat in alignment with the body, inhale to lower leg.
Repeat alternating legs for 4-6 times.
Exhale to lower back to the hover position then back onto the mat.
Spinal Rotation Stretch
This is a gentle movement and stretch to improve the flexibility of your spine.
Spine twist movement
In sitting either with your legs crossed or out in front, fold your arms at shoulder height. Breathe in to prepare. As you breathe out rotate your body around to one side, allowing your spine to rotate. Simultaneously rotate your neck to follow the movement. Breathe in to hold then as you breathe out bring your body and neck back to the centre. Repeat on the opposite side.
Child Pose stretch
This is a lovely stretch to relax and open out throughout your spine and your shoulders.
Child pose stretch
Kneeling on the floor with your knees hip width apart. Walk your hands forwards, lowering your torso down between your knees and sit back onto your heels. Slowly allow your forehead rest towards the floor. As your breather out relax your shoulders down towards the ground and drop into the stretch a little further.