Strengthening the body while addressing postural alignment. Whether you are doing a mat exercise or learning Pilates in a beautiful state-of-the-art studio, such as Body In Balance Pilates, the first thing you need to learn is to align your body perfectly before moving. This is what will help rebalance your postural alignment.

Over the first few weeks, you will start to notice that your joints will feel looser and more supple. The deep stabilising and postural muscles will become much stronger and work more efficiently. This will help reduce or even eliminate conditions such as sciatica, frozen shoulder, and back pain.

Like everything in life, you get out what you put in. But from my own experience, it is a resounding YES. The key to getting the results is consistency. If you decide to do Pilates at Body in Balance Pilates or any other studio, you must commit.

It is an investment in your health and wellbeing. A teacher can guide you and enhance your progress with an intelligent functional Pilates programme. Only you can commit to regular attendance and diligent practice.

Not if you do not include some cardio work and pay attention to your diet. In order to lose weight, you will need to combine cardio work with your Pilates routine. I would also suggest seeing a qualified nutritionist to guide you through any weight loss programme.

Having said that you will see the benefits in a flatter stomach after a few weeks and depending on the correct programme you could have a more defined waist as your oblique abdominal muscles become stronger and more toned. I have helped many clients get ready for their wedding (male and female) at the same time as dealing with sciatica or back issues.

If you practice Pilates regularly, you will see big changes in your body shape. Pilates is known for creating long strong muscles and a leaner look. Specifically, you have improved muscle tone and balance. Glutes will be enhanced, and abs and obliques will become strong and lengthened. This will support a beautifully enhanced posture and appearance of grace and elegance.

Work within your financial limitations. Regular Pilates sessions can be expensive, so I always tell my students “It is not what we do in class that makes a difference, it is how we translate that into our everyday lives.” Depending on what is going on in your body I would ideally suggest two lessons a week.

Many studios such as Body in Balance Pilates will make this more affordable by offering reduced rates on block bookings. However, whether you decide to do one lesson a week or two, any good teacher will give you a few exercises you can do on your own at home. Do your “homework” as prescribed by your teacher and you will get the results you are looking for.