| (For Frequently Asked Questions about Reflexology,
click here) • What is Pilates? • Can anyone practice Pilates? • What are the benefits of 1-2-1 over group pilates classes? • Is there an age limit for Pilates? • What way do the Pilates courses run? • What is a reformer? • What results can I expect from using a reformer? • Can anyone train on the reformer? • What is Osteoporosis? • Why have Pilates 1-2-1 training for osteoporosis? • Is Pilates recognised by the medical profession? • How does private tuition benefit the pre/post natal client? • When in my pregnancy can I take up Pilates? • How long after the birth do I have to wait before I can take up Pilates? • What is Pilates golf training about? • What is Neuromuscular Therapy? • How soon after injury can I book for a Neuromuscular Therapy treatment? • How often should I get a Sports Massage? • Why do Sports Massage Therapists always say "drink lots of water"? • Should I use ice or heat? • What can I do after the massage to get the most benefit from it? • Are you trained and certified? • Do you have gift certificates? What is Pilates? Pilates is a mat based exercise programme designed to strengthen the core, tone the whole body, re-align posture, promote the feel good factor and increase mind/body awareness. | back to top | Can anyone practice Pilates? Yes, suitable for both men and women, either in a 1-2-1 environment or in a small group class. | back to top | What are the benefits of 1-2-1 over group Pilates classes? 1-2-1s are suitable for anyone requiring particular results, e.g. sports people wanting to work on their flexibility or core strength, for pre or post natal ladies, anyone suffering with injury or stress, or for anyone who wants individual attention and specific programming. It is also very useful for anyone who has never done pilates before to start with a 1-2-1 session to learn the basics. | back to top | Is there an age limit for Pilates? No, all age groups can participate. It works from a beginners level through to advanced levels, so when you join a class you will start at a beginners level, regardless of age or fitness ability. | back to top | What way do the Pilates courses run? The courses run in blocks of 8 weeks throughout the year. You book and pay in advance for your 8 classes, or enjoy the benefit of a reduced fee for 2 classes per week. You would then move onto the next level at the start of the next course. | back to top | What is a reformer? The Pilates reformer is a state of the art piece of apparatus that looks a bit like a single bed frame made of steel, with a moving carriage. Ropes and pulleys are attached for total body toning and core stability training. Various resistance levels can be used via a set of springs, each spring representing a different resistance level. | back to top | What results can I expect from using a reformer? The reformer is a fun and interesting way to enjoy Pilates training. Reformer training focuses on whole body alignment and core stability. You can expect to see a more rapid change in body shape, muscle tone and core strength when using a reformer. There are hundreds of ways of using the reformer, i.e. adding the sitting box for more ab work, back work and balance positions or attaching the footplate for more dynamic, cardio type work. | back to top | Can anyone train on the reformer? Yes, aside from pregnant women, the reformer is suitable for all levels of ability, from beginners through to advanced levels | back to top | What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a bone thinning disease whereby the calcium levels in the body are depleting, causing the bones to become porous and brittle. As osteoporosis affects one in three women and one in five men in this country, it is becoming increasingly more important that people are educated about the risk factors effecting osteoporosis, and in turn learn how to manage this disease. | back to top | Why have Pilates 1-2-1 training for osteoporosis? Pilates educates the osteoporotic client about everything from the correct exercises for maximum results, to nutrition and how it can seriously affect the calcium levels in the body. For example, find out how all types of caffeine can deplete your calcium levels! It is also important to know what types of movement can increase your risk of fracture and how to avoid this. | back to top | Is Pilates recognised by the medical profession? Yes. Consultants, G.P.'s, physiotherapists and osteopaths now refer clients to qualified Pilates teachers for either one to one training, depending on the circumstances of their patient, or for group class participation. Either way, the Pilates professional needs to assess each client prior to deciding which form of Pilates training would be more suitable, be it group participation or one to one training. | back to top | How does private tuition benefit the pre/post natal client? Pilates is recommended on a 1-2-1 basis for the pre/post natal client because pregnancy is different for each individual! It is an important time in ones life and great care needs to be taken when embarking on any form of exercise. As the pelvic floor muscles are used in Pilates, the pregnant or postnatal client needs to know how and when to use these muscles in order that the internal organs are not compromised in any way. Pregnancy Pilates is an excellent way to stay in shape before, during and after pregnancy. | back to top | When in my pregnancy can I take up Pilates? After the first trimester it is safe to start 1-2-1 Pilates training with a suitably qualified instructor. | back to top | How long after the birth do I have to wait before I can take up Pilates? Due to the strong involvement of the pelvic floor muscles when participating in Pilates, it is not recommended that you start this form of training until at least 16 weeks after the birth, providing all is well and you have had medical clearance. | back to top | What is Pilates golf training about? Pilates for golf is specific to the golfer and the type of problems they develop, e.g. low back, forearm pain, neck problems etc. and teaches the golfer how to avoid/correct all of this. Golf training specifically targets the abdominal muscles for core and back strength, as well as educating the golfer on the correct movement pattern in order to strengthen the body and prevent injury. It is a definite learning experience but can lead to huge improvements in your game! | back to top | View the Pilates class schedule or email info@bodyawareness.ie for further details | back to top | What is Neuromuscular Therapy? N.M.T. is used alongside massage to help rebalance the body's natural rhythm. A series of techniques are used, such as soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, positional release and frictioning to treat muscular, tendonous or ligamentous injuries. | back to top | How soon after injury can I book in for a Neuromuscular Therapy treatment? The first thing to do when you sustain an injury is to ice the injured site, take anti-inflammatories once you have checked with your G.P., and rest for the first 48 hours. Then, once the swelling has reduced, you can seek treatment with your therapist. | back to top | How often should I get a Sports Massage ? Each person is individual. Sports Massage is a deep tissue massage appropriate for anyone suffering from injury, tension, postural distortion and strain. If you are trying to reach a specific goal, then you would need regular massage, say once a week, for 4-6 weeks, then reduce this to every 2-4 weeks, depending on how you feel and how serious your injury is. | back to top | Why do Sports Massage Therapists always say "drink lots of water"? Massage, especially deep massage, releases toxins from the muscles. Water is needed to help flush these out as well as to ensure proper hydration of the muscle. If you fail to drink at least 1 litre of water after massage, then you risk "poisoning" your system, as it will reabsorb the toxins, causing flu like symptoms or tummy upset. | back to top | Should I use ice or heat? ICE is the most called for application for sore and strained muscles. Ice has an analgesic effect, helping to reduce inflammation and swelling. It acts as a vasconstrictor to help push fluid out of the area, allowing the irritated tissue to relax. HEAT acts as a vasodilator, and increases circulation and fluid in the area. Heat is useful when applied to stiff muscles or joints as it helps to open up the area and soften the tissues. However, do not use heat if there is soreness and inflammation as it can further aggravate the area. | back to top | What can I do after the massage to get the most benefit from it? In addition to drinking plenty of water and using ice or heat, stretching is extremely beneficial, especially to any particular affected area on your body. Ask your therapist to show you a few simple stretches to help maintain the benefit of your massage. These should be practiced every day. | back to top | Are you trained and certified? Yes. Laura Feeney has completed a dual certification programme with the National Training Centre for Sports Massage Therapy (CMT) and Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) in March 2003. She is also a certified Pilates Teacher (PI-PMA), a certified Fitness Instructor (NCEF), and Indian Head Massage therapist (ITEC). More recently, Laura has achieved a certificate in the teaching of Yoga for Pilates Teachers with Essential Yoga in the U.K. She is a professional member of the Association of Sports Massage Therapists (A.S.M.T.), the Irish Exercise Teachers Association (I.E.T.A.) and Association of Complementary Health Therapists in Ireland. (A.R.C.H.T.I.) | back to top | Do you have gift certificates? Yes. Gift certificates ar a delightful way to introduce someone to the benefits of massage or pilates. They are valid for up to 6 months from the date of purchase, and they can be made out for any service we offer. You can pick them up in person or you can order them over the phone. | back to top | |
