Earthy FAQ's

Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that focuses on strengthening core muscles, improving posture, flexibility, and balance. It emphasizes controlled movements, precise technique, and mindful breathing.

The benefits are numerous! People often experience:

Improved strength and muscle tone, enhanced flexibility and balance, better posture, and reduced stress and pain. It builds core stability, body awareness, and physical coordination through controlled movements and focused breathing, making it a low-impact way to improve overall physical and mental well-being for various fitness levels and ages.

Pilates is generally suitable for people of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities. It can be modified to accommodate injuries, pregnancy, and various physical limitations. Many athletes also use Pilates to cross-train and enhance their performance. However, if you have specific health concerns, it's always best to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Choice depends on specific goals 

Pilates mat is a nice way for beginners to learn more about the principles of Pilates and gain confidence before trying reformer.

Mat is more accessible and highly effective just using body resistance, with the option to add extra resistance using the ball, bands and the magic circle. This equipment can be used alongside the reformer machine too. 

Pilate’s clients report they had quicker results with the help of the reformer machine. The spring options allow clients to add and relieve resistance when needs be. This makes is more appealing for those seeking extra support with strength or mobility training. 

If you struggle with coordination the straps on the Reformer can help with body control. This also makes it more appealing to those recovering from injury. Bearing in mind it is good to learn how to control the body without the help of straps.

To conclude, combine the two!

Start with the R1-Reformer essential sessions or Mat Pilates to learn the fundamental principles and build an understanding of form and core control.

Yes, Pilates can be good during pregnancy when done safely and with modifications.

Our pre natal Reformer classes will begin in December. Unfortunately our policy states that pregnant women cannot participate in the general reformer classes. This is to ensure Mums to be receive the best from practise. 

Pilates can be good for arthritis due to its low-impact nature, strengthening of supporting muscles, improved flexibility and posture. However, avoid high-impact exercises, deep squats/lunges if you’ve arthritis on the knees, weight-bearing on hands if painful if located on the hands, extreme spinal movements, and overstretching. Always listen to your body, avoid pain, and consider lighter resistance. Physiotherapy reformer package may be best suited for you.  It's recommended to consult your doctor and find a qualified instructor who can modify exercises for your needs, starting slowly and focusing on form.

Yes, often significantly. Pilates strengthens the core muscles that support the spine, improves posture and alignment, and increases flexibility, all of which can alleviate strain and pain in the back.  The choice of package or membership depends on the severity of the pain. Email us: info@earthy.ie if you would like any advice on this. 

While not primarily a weight loss method, Pilates can contribute. It builds lean muscle mass, which can slightly increase metabolism. Combined with a healthy diet and potentially cardiovascular exercise, it can be part of a weight loss plan.

Our health events will include talks from accredited Dieticians. 

Yes, Pilates effectively builds lean muscle, particularly in the core and powerhouse area. It focuses on muscular balance and minor muscle strength. 

The Reformer machine has springs to add resistance and to build strong lean muscle. Props like the ball, magic circles and weights can also be added to Pilates mat to add resistance - as more studies show the significance of weight training as we age. 

Yes, Pilates incorporates exercises that lengthen and stretch muscles, leading to improved flexibility and range of motion.

Definitely. A key focus of Pilates is proper alignment and strengthening of the muscles that support good posture, leading to noticeable improvements.

Yes, Pilates is an excellent form of cross-training for athletes. It enhances core strength, stability, balance, and body control, which can improve performance and help prevent injuries in various sports.

Yes, Pilates is often used in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. Its low-impact nature and focus on controlled movements allow for safe strengthening and recovery. However, it's crucial to work with a qualified instructor who understands injury modifications.

At Earthy injured clients should book the physiotherapy reformer package- these classes are smaller allowing the attention required to support injury recovery. 

Yes, the focus on breath control, mindful movement, and body awareness in Pilates can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and improve mental focus.

Comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Avoid overly baggy clothes. You'll typically be barefoot or wear grip socks-available to buy in store and online from December. 

Breathing is a fundamental principle. It's often coordinated with movement, typically inhaling to prepare and lengthen, and exhaling during the exertion phase. Lateral thoracic breathing (breathing into the rib cage while maintaining core engagement) is the breathing technique we use at Earthy to begin class. Throughout, the reformer practice we focus more on the movement and form. Experience suggests clients can hold their breath while focusing on too many things at once, causing dizziness or spasms. Therefore, we wait until clients are more experienced before incorporating the breathing throughout practise.

Core engagement involves activating the deep abdominal muscles (like the transversus abdominis), pelvic floor muscles, and muscles around the spine to create stability and support movement. It's about drawing the navel towards the spine and maintaining a stable torso.

Imagine yourself zipping up a tight pair of jeans. 

Yoga focuses on a holistic mind-body-spirit connection, emphasizing flexibility, endurance, and balance through poses and breathwork with a spiritual foundation. Pilates is a structured physical practice that targets core strength and muscle toning, using precise movements to build a solid foundation for the whole body, often with the aid of special equipment like the Reformer.  

While both build muscle, Pilates focuses on lean muscle development, muscular endurance, stability, and control using body weight and lighter resistance.  Traditional strength training often uses heavier weights to build larger muscle mass and power. Pilates emphasizes functional movement and core integration more directly. Therefore it beneficial to combine the two.