How will Pilates benefit me?
• Core Strength
The benefits of developing core strength go way beyond flat abs. “Core muscles” are made up of not only your deep front abdominals, but also your side abdominals, buttocks and your entire back muscles.
Toned abs and a strong back have many benefits, including helping to prevent injury, improving posture and reducing neck pain, shoulder pain and lower back pain.
• Flexibility
“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young” – Joseph Pilates
In addition to improving the flexibility of commonly tight areas like the chest, low back, hips and hamstrings, Pilates also emphasizes the flexibility of the spine. Spinal flexibility is important since excessive tightness can impede normal movement.
• Control
Joseph Pilates calls his work “Body Contrology” and he stated that “Contrology begins with mind control over muscles”.
Moving with control requires awareness and promotes balanced muscular development. It is also important to prevent injuries especially for those who have joint laxity or hypermobility, a common risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis.
• Improved Posture = Look Taller and Leaner
Good posture is a reflection of good alignment supported by a strong and flexible core. It is a position from which one can move freely.
One of the focuses of Pilates exercises is to create balance, or symmetry in the upper and lower body, right and left sides. The emphasis on correct alignment in a Pilates class creates balanced muscular development and flexibility, hence improving our postures making us look taller and slimmer.
Good posture in different activities is also important for preventing lower back pain and neck and shoulder pain.
• Increased Muscle Strength and Endurance to Aid Weight Loss
Pilates is strength training. We work with resistance (either using our own body weight or spring resistance from Pilates equipment) to increase muscular strength and endurance. This helps you enjoy and last longer in your favourite cardio workout to help boost your weight loss efforts better and faster.
I've never done Pilates. How do I start?
At Pilates BodyTree, you can start with one of following ways:
1. Pilates Personal Training
These sessions with our Pilates teachers are the best way to start your Pilates journey. The teacher will design a program that is specific to your body and helps you overcome any muscular imbalances or pain to fulfil your physical goals and to achieve performance.
You can choose to do these session at times that work for you best. Click here to find out more and send in an enquiry.
2. Pilates Group Classes – PBT Signature®
If you do not have any previous injuries or physical nags that require medical attention, and prefer to exercise in a group setting, then PBT Signature™ classes are for you.
Our Signature classes are suitable for beginners. Click here to learn more about our classes, and click here to register for an Intro Class.
Why Pilates BodyTree?
Pilates BodyTree® (PBT) was founded by Daniel Chan, Jerry Teo and Kris Ng. The founders studied directly with Pilates Master teacher Ron Fletcher (1921-2011) and other renowned teachers, and have evolved the Pilates work taught to them.
Through their teacher training company, BodyTree Academy, they have created the Movement Anatomy™ program that every PBT teacher has gone through.
With intensive training in Biomechanics and Pathologies, all PBT teachers are handpicked by the founders to deliver quality and impactful teaching that helps to bring about positive change to their students. All teachers continue to invest their time to continue their education beyond their qualification, including attending in-house Professional Development monthly.
How often should I do Pilates? How long will it take for me to see results?
Joseph Pilates said “you’ll feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 and have a whole new body in 30 sessions.”
Consistency is key and it is helpful not to let too much time pass in order to remember the previous class and incorporate the information in your body. Although 2-3 times per week is ideal, you will also reap the benefits of Pilates with one class per week if it is regular and consistent.
How quick you feel and see the positive transformation will also depend on whether you lead an active lifestyle, adopt a healthy diet and if you have any existing injuries.
Can Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates promotes deep and vigorous breathing. Efficient breathing encourages the metabolic process and tissue regeneration hence enhancing your lung capacity and aerobic fitness.
Pilates is also strength training. We work with resistance (either using our own body weight or spring resistance from Pilates equipment) to increase muscular strength and endurance. This helps you enjoy and last longer in your favourite cardio workout to help boost your weight loss efforts better and faster.
Can I do Pilates with existing injuries?
If you have an existing injury, we recommend you seek your doctor or physical therapist’s permission before you start Pilates. Once you do, Pilates is one of the safest forms of body conditioning program you can do to recover from an injury. The low impact nature of Pilates makes it ideal for rehabilitation.
With the guidance of one of our Pilates teachers, it is great to regain and build strength and flexibility safely to prevent a re-occurance of the injury and help you lead the lifestyle you used to prior to injury.
How are Pilates and Yoga different?
Yoga is a holistic spiritual discipline with its roots in Eastern forms of meditation. Although they condition the body, the goal of the physical postures is to center, calm, and prepare your body for meditation.
Pilates on the other hand is physical conditioning first and foremost. Its creator, Joseph Pilates, developed a system of exercises designed to strengthen and stretch the body in a way that encourages coordination between the muscles that stabilize the body.
The resistance provided by the Pilates machines he developed like the Reformer, Wunda Chair and Cadillac are unique in their abilities to facilitate coordination and cooperation between our different muscles, creating synergy and making it a whole body workout.
Many clients find the that the core control and whole body integration they develop in Pilates class support them well in their daily activities and other forms of exercise and sports that participate in. For those of you who also practice yoga, Pilates will provide you the stability you need to enjoy your yoga classes even more.
Can Pilates help with my back/neck/shoulder pain?
In non-serious cases of pain, practising Pilates would help to alleviate your symptoms. Often, pain is a result of certain muscles being too tight with excessive use and other muscles being weak and under-utilised. With an emphasis of balancing our chest / abs and back muscles, as well as our right and left shoulders and hips, much of your pain should reduce or not present themselves frequently, if at all.
If you are experiencing pain that is hindering your regular lifestyle, we suggest you seek medical attention before embarking on a Pilates program.
Once your doctor gives you permission to start Pilates, it is recommended that you begin one-on-one sessions with a qualified Pilates teacher. A private setting is beneficial since variations to certain Pilates exercises may be required to ensure that your pain is not aggravated while we work at regaining your strength.
Do I need to be fit to start Pilates?
Pilates offers something for you regardless of your fitness level. With a qualified Pilates teacher, your Pilates program can be personalised based on your physical condition or fitness goals.
Our PBT Signature® classes are also suitable for beginners.
What do I wear?
You can wear your gym attire or close-fitting sportswear. You may also bring along a pair of clean socks for hygiene purposes. Shoes are not required.
Is Pilates for men too?
Yes. Joseph Pilates himself is a man, martial artist, boxing instructor, boxing performer and body builder. He taught his method to men as early as World War I (1914-1918).
Our mentor Ron Fletcher (1921-2011) is a man, as well as 5 of our teaching staff, Daniel, Jerry, Jeremy, Derek and Tim.
We also have a good number of male Pilates clients who are regular students because they have experienced the benefits of Pilates for preventing back pain, and to improve their golf and tennis games.