pilates.html

Pilates is a form of total body conditioning and training developed by the late Joseph Pilates (1880–1967) during the early part of this century, first in Europe and then in the USA. It is an exercise method that strengthens core postural muscles and develops proper body alignment; it reduces common muscle and ligament damage associated with other fitness regimes and often plays a key role in rehabilitation programmes. Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor itself, but also as an important adjunct to professional rehabilitation of all kinds. Practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing is a primary focus. Strength and flexibility, particularly of abdomen and back muscles, co-ordination – both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilates program. Posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased. Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of one’s life.

Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in 1880. While growing up in Germany, Pilates experienced various ailments and illnesses including rickets and asthma. In hopes of defeating these physical barriers, Pilates developed his body and soon became an avid gymnast, diver, and boxer.


Chiropractor & Pilates Instructor

Pilates method of body conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit." (J. Pilates)

Pilates does not build bulk, it strengthens weak muscles and stretches tight ones.

The emphasis is on "elongating" the body to create a longer, leaner and taller silhouette.

Muscles are lengthened and flexibility increased through the strengthening of ligaments.

DR SONJA KNEPPERS
I qualified as a chiropractor in 2004. For my dissertation I did a study on chronic lower back pain. The patients received chiropractic manipulation for 2 weeks. At a 4 week follow-up, the patients had all responded to the treatment, but there were a large number of them who were starting to feel their symptoms returning. On investigating this result I realised that because of our poor postures, bad ergonomics and lifestyles there is a huge demand for strengthening the core muscles.

I completed a Pilates course at the Bodyline Fitness Academy and offered training programmes to my patients. I noticed that most of them were able to manage their back pain for longer periods of time. The strengthening of the core muscles meant that they were taking a lot of work off the back muscles.

I taught classes at various gyms for 4 years and now I have my own studio at my chiropractic practice where we teach classes every day. I have many patients doing Pilates with me 2/3 times a week and they are amazed at how the training is helping them manage their symptoms.

Hi everyone
My name is Taryn I have been a Pilates’ instructor since 2004, taking a break in 2007 and 2008. I studied through Trifocus Pilates and qualified in basic and intermediate mat as well as equipment in 2004 After the completion of my Pilates Certificate I worked at Craighall Planet Fitness as a Private Pilates Trainer for 8 months, before leaving to do my own thing by doing private classes at people’s homes. This I did up till the end of 2006 In 2007 I joined a company in Randburg as a receptionist I am currently still working at the same company but have since been promoted to the Buyer / PRO and Events Co-coordinator for the company...quite a load but I love it.

In April this year I instructed a few classes for Dr Sonja Kneppers and fell in love with Pilates all over again and have been instructing every since. For me I love interacting with others and our Pilates classes are so diverse that anyone joining feels right at home plus I get the added bonus of training while instructing…

R92 per class
R660 per month – 2 classes per week
R820 per month – 3 classes per week