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What are the benefits of Reformer Pilates?
Participating in Reformer Pilates can offer several benefits for your physical and mental well-being. Here are the top five benefits:
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Increased strength and muscle tone: Reformer Pilates is a full-body workout that focuses on engaging and strengthening various muscle groups. By consistently practicing Pilates on the reformer machine, you can develop long, lean muscles and improve overall strength. The resistance provided by the springs on the reformer helps to challenge your muscles, leading to increased muscle tone and definition.
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Improved posture and alignment: Reformer Pilates emphasises proper body alignment and encourages a strong core. Through targeted exercises that engage the core muscles, such as the abdominals and back muscles, Pilates helps to improve posture and alignment. Over time, this can lead to reduced strain on the spine, decreased back pain, and a more balanced and upright posture.
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Enhanced flexibility and mobility: Pilates exercises on the reformer involve a wide range of movements that promote flexibility and joint mobility. The combination of stretching and strengthening exercises helps to increase your overall flexibility, making everyday movements easier and more fluid. Improved mobility can also contribute to better athletic performance and reduced risk of injuries.
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Core strength and stability: Reformer Pilates places a strong emphasis on strengthening the deep abdominal muscles, known as the core. These muscles provide stability and support for the spine and pelvis. By targeting the core through specific exercises, Pilates helps to build core strength, leading to better balance, stability, and overall functional fitness.
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Stress relief and mental well-being: Engaging in regular Reformer Pilates sessions can have a positive impact on your mental well-being. Like other forms of exercise, Pilates promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals. Additionally, the mind-body connection emphasized in Pilates, along with the focus on breath control and relaxation techniques, can help reduce stress, improve mindfulness, and enhance overall mental clarity and calmness.
What are the benefits of Yoga?
Yoga offers numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Here are five of the top benefits of practicing yoga:
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Improved Flexibility and Strength: Yoga postures, or asanas, help improve flexibility by stretching and elongating muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Regular practice can increase your range of motion and enhance muscle strength and endurance. Stronger muscles also provide better support for your joints, leading to improved posture and balance.
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Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Yoga combines physical movement with mindful breathing and relaxation techniques, which can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. The practice of yoga encourages you to focus on the present moment, fostering mental clarity and reducing anxiety. Deep breathing exercises in yoga also activate the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the relaxation response in the body.
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Increased Energy and Vitality: Yoga poses and breathing techniques can help boost energy levels and improve overall vitality. By promoting circulation, stimulating the nervous system, and releasing tension, yoga can leave you feeling more energized and rejuvenated. Regular practice can help counteract the effects of fatigue and improve overall well-being.
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Improved Posture and Body Awareness: Yoga encourages proper alignment of the body, which can lead to improved posture. By practicing various asanas that strengthen the core, back, and neck muscles, you can develop better postural habits. Increased body awareness cultivated through yoga can also help you identify and correct imbalances or alignment issues in your daily life.
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Mental Clarity and Focus: The combination of physical movement, breath control, and meditation in yoga helps enhance mental clarity and concentration. The practice requires mindfulness and brings attention to the present moment, reducing mental chatter and enhancing focus. Regular yoga practice has been linked to improved cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.
Can I do Reformer Pilates as a beginner?
Yes, you can do Reformer Pilates as a beginner. Reformer Pilates is a form of exercise that uses a specialized machine called a Reformer to perform various movements and exercises. It is designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall body awareness.
While some prior experience with Pilates or other forms of exercise can be helpful, Reformer Pilates is accessible to beginners. The Reformer machine provides adjustable resistance and support, allowing you to start at a level that is suitable for your fitness and ability.
Can I try classes at Awaken before signing up to a membership?
Great news! Awaken is offering an amazing opportunity to experience their classes first hand with a free trial class. If you're interested in exploring the world of reformer pilates and yoga, you can easily book your free trial class through their website. Just CLICK HERE and follow the simple steps to secure your spot. This allows you to get a feel for the studio's atmosphere, instructors' expertise, and the class structure without any commitments. It's the perfect chance to see if Awaken aligns with your fitness goals and preferences before making a membership decision. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to embark on a journey of wellness and self-discovery with Awaken!
I'm pregnant, Is Reformer Pilates safe for me?
If you are pregnant and considering doing reformer Pilates or any form of exercise, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing any exercise regimen. They can provide personalised advice based on your specific health situation.
That being said, many pregnant women can safely participate in Pilates exercises, including those on the reformer machine, with modifications and under the guidance of a qualified instructor experienced in prenatal Pilates. Reformers can offer support and assistance during exercises, making them suitable for pregnant women.
The pilates foam wedge is a commonly used prop in Pilates exercises, including during pregnancy. It can be used to provide support and modify exercises to accommodate the changing needs of a pregnant woman's body. The wedge can be placed under the hips or other body parts to alleviate pressure, create a more comfortable position, or modify the angle of an exercise.
Body Awareness: Listen to your body and pay attention to any discomfort or pain during the exercises. If something doesn't feel right, ask the instructor to modify the movement or stop the exercise.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's crucial to prioritize your safety and the well-being of your baby, so always consult with your healthcare provider and an experienced prenatal Pilates instructor for personalised guidance.
What do I need to know before jumping into my first class?
Before jumping into your first reformer Pilates class, here are some important things to know:
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Reformer Pilates: Reformer Pilates is performed on a special apparatus called a Pilates reformer. The reformer consists of a sliding carriage, adjustable resistance springs, and various straps and pulleys. It provides resistance and support to help you engage specific muscles effectively. Our knowledgeable instructors will show you how to use it before the class starts so be sure to arrive 10 mins early.
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Dress comfortably: Wear fitted and comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Avoid loose or baggy attire that may get caught in the equipment. Grip socks are required for reformer Pilates.
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Inform the instructor about any injuries or limitations: If you have any injuries, medical conditions, or physical limitations, let the instructor know before the class begins. They can provide modifications or alternatives to certain exercises to ensure your safety and prevent any aggravation of existing issues.
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Listen to your body: During the class, pay attention to how your body feels. If something feels uncomfortable or painful, make sure to communicate with the instructor and ask for modifications. It's important to challenge yourself, but not at the expense of proper form or risking injury.
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Focus on proper form and technique: Pilates is all about quality of movement, not quantity. Concentrate on maintaining proper form, engaging the correct muscles, and breathing correctly. It's better to perform fewer repetitions with proper alignment than to rush through exercises with poor technique.
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Stay hydrated: Remember to drink water before and after your class to stay hydrated. However, avoid drinking large amounts of water during the session as it may cause discomfort.
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Enjoy the process: Pilates is a holistic form of exercise that combines physical and mental elements. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and be patient with yourself. With regular practice, you'll gradually improve your strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.
Remember to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
What should I bring to class?
At Awaken, we provide all the necessary equipment for our classes. However, if you prefer to bring your own mat, you are more than welcome to do so. For our Reformer Pilates classes, grip socks are required to enhance your experience on the reformer. If you don't have any, don't worry! Grip socks can be conveniently purchased at the studio before your class starts, and they are available for just $5.
How does 24/7 Access work?
On joining on a direct debit membership you would have purchased a keytag for $9.95. This keytag allows you to access the studio 24/7. You are able to use this outside timetabled classe to access the studio and reformer on-demand.
How does Reformer On-Demand work?
Access to the studio and Reformer On-Demand can be done outside of timetabled classes. There is no need to book a reformer on-demand screen, just show up. There are over 700 sessions to choose from for a variety of levels and abilities.
How do I book classes?
Classes can only be reserved using our designated booking platform, Glofox. The number of weekly class reservations is determined by the specific membership plan you have.
Can I use Powerplay Health and Fitness?
As an Awaken member on a weekly Direct Debit Membership, you will enjoy unrestricted access to Powerplay Health and Fitness, including all the timetabled classes and infrared Sauna, at any time of the day or night.
Can I bring my children to a class?
Although Awaken doesn't allow children in their studio, the availability of a creche membership through Powerplay provides parents with an option to have their children cared for while they engage in their fitness activities.
With a creche membership, parents can drop off their children at the creche facility, where our creche staff supervise and care for them while the parents attend their classes at Awaken or Powerplay. This allows parents to focus on their workouts or relaxation without the need to worry about their children's well-being.
How many times can I use the free trial offer?
We are delighted to offer you a complimentary free trial of our any of our classes. As part of our commitment to ensuring fair access for all customers, the free trial offer is designed to be available for use once per individual. To maximise your trial experience, we are delighted to offer an extended option: a three-week unlimited trial for just $59.95. This extended duration will allow you ample time to explore how Awaken aligns with your specific goals and lifestyle. It's a great opportunity to delve deeper and experience the full benefits of our service.
How do I book a Sauna?
Ashby: On the Awaken Pilates and yoga app you are able to switch between booking classes and private sessions on the home page. Private sessions are for booking the sauna. Please follow the steps on the app.
Yanchep: Please contact Powerplay Health and Fitness to have access to the sauna. info@powerplayhf.com.au