Pilates Exercises

Pilates is an exercise system that has taken the world by storm.  Joseph Pilates developed this system of low impact exercise with varying resistance in the 1920's.

Joseph's vision was "The attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure" - Joseph Pilates 1945.                                                                                                                 

Pilates starts by strengthening the deep abdominal muscles, "the core". From this stable platform, controlled and safe movement occures. Pilates produces flexible muscles, with strength, rather than short bunched muscles. This is because unlike traditional weight programs which work one muscle group at a time, Pilates works all major muscle groups together - using your body the way it was designed.

Our Pilates staff are highly qualified, friendly and understand what it takes to assist you in achieving your goals.

How does Pilates work?

Pilates works by strengthening the body from the inside out. It involves stretching and strengthening muscles to improve flexibility, strength, balance and body symmetry. Whether it be for general fitness or for injury rehabilitation, specially formulated exercises tone and condition your body in a completely unique method.   Close supervision of your exercises ensures correct technique to gain maximum benefit. Pilates also creates a calming effect, superb for stress relief.

The end result is a powerful mix of better posture, less tension, clearer understanding of correct body mechanics that assists in injury prevention and an overall feeling of well-being.

Who is Pilates good for?

Pilates is good for anyone wanting to stay strong and healthy throughout life. Male or female, fit or unfit, injured, pregnant, young, old, any profession, any culture, any temperament, couch potato or elite athlete!

What about Pilates to get fit?

The transformation in the way your body looks, feels and performs will be dramatic. Pilates builds strength while reducing bulk. It creates a smooth, toned body with a tight abdomen and slender thighs. By improving flexibility and agility, Pilates creates body awareness, good posture and relaxed, graceful motion. The typical gym environment can be stressful. Pilates provides an overall conditioning of the mind and the body by promoting harmony between the mental and physical aspects of health and fitness.

Goal specific and time efficient, sports men and women, ballet dancers and gymnasts use Pilates as an adjunct to their normal training to improve performance and correct muscle "imbalances". This provides better joint support and improves muscle efficiency.

What about Pilates after injury?

Recently Pilates has been discovered by the medical community as an effective system for rehabilitation and injury management. This is due to the success of centres such as the St Francis Hospital for Sports Medicine in San Francisco where Pilates is integrated as part of the multi disciplinary centre. Research at the University of Queensland has demonstrated that exercise systems that improve abdominal control, such as Pilates, reduce lower back pain. The Solutions Centre in Drummoyne has joined a handful of other centres around the world in integrating Pilates into a multi-disciplinary approach.

After an assessment, an exercise program is designed to manage and reduce back pain, stretch over-tight muscles, strengthen weak muscles, improve breathing control, increase stamina, increase stability, increase posture awareness and stabilise muscle core. In the case of more complex issues, “Exact Pilates” physiotherapists trained in the Pilates method, are available to design programs using the most effective exercises to suit.

Pilates & Pregnancy

Pilates is fantastic during and after pregnancy.

Pilates is a safe and gentle exercise system, making it an exceptional means of maintaining pre and post natal fitness. Individual programs, designed by “Exact Pilates” physiotherapists, exercise and strengthen the pelvic floor and back. The results are increased flexibility and the removal of tensions in the neck and shoulders.

How do I  get started?

It's simple. Book in to have your individual program developed by calling (02) 9819 7400 or click here to email us your details. We will contact you within one business day to answer any queries and arrange a time.

Pilates Teachers

Natalie Murray completed her Diploma in Sports Injury Therapies in 1995 at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies and commenced teaching Pilates in 1996. Natalie then joined the Team at Solutions in 2000 to further her knowledge of corrective exercise. In 2002 she completed a Graduate Certificate in Pilates at UTS to complement her previous studies and hands-on experience. Natalie is now a level 2 accredited Pilates Instructor with the Australian Pilates Method Association (APMA) which represents the highest level of accreditation in the country.  She also has completed the Certificate IV in Pilates Method through the Pilates International Training Centre and is a qualified course provider after completing her training with the APMA.  Natalie’s philosophy is that “exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle”. 

Kim Gerber completed her Physiotherapy degree at Sydney Uni in 1976 continuing her studies whilst working to obtain a Masters in Applied Science in 2003. Kim has extensive and broad ranging experience including twelve years working at the Royal Hospital for Women where she was in charge of the Department for six years. She also has extensive experience in the private sector with her focus of interest being on back injury recovery. To add to her credentials Kim is also a registered Fitness Leader and has been instructing in Fitness since 1988. Kim continues to have a special interest in women’s health, teaching fitness and Pilates to women over 50. 

Leanne Glencross is a qualified Cert IV Personal Trainer in Specific Populations. She has many years experience working in the Corporate sector before deciding to further her interests in the Health and Fitness field. Leanne joined Solutions in 2004 and has a special interest in promoting Pilates as a fitness tool and not just for recovery from injury. Leanne's studies in Specific Populations have taught her that exercise can be tailored for anyone. She believes that people should take part in a healthy exercise program to prevent health issues and injuries in the future.

Maria di Laudo discovered Pilates in 2000 whilst looking for a more personal form of exercise, outside a gym environment, to help control lower back pain, to regain strength and for overall wellbeing. She enjoyed it so much, she decided to leave her corporate job and become an instructor. She is now a Level 2 Pilates Instructor with the Australian Pilates Method Association (APMA). For Maria Pilates has become a way of life. So far she has taught students ranging from 12 years old to 84! Maria strongly believes Pilates can be adapted to suit anyone at any stage in their lives.