Zumba

Realistic Pilates

Extend Exercises for the Over 60’s

This latin based dance fitness class integrates some of the principles of aerobic, interval, and resistance training to maximise caloric output, cardiovascular benefits and total body toning.   

A safe and effective form of exercise that will enable you to look and feel your very best!   It’s about core conditioning and strengthening muscles to improve posture, give flat lean abdominals, strong healthy backs, and total relaxation for the body and mind.  With regular practice an increased awareness of the body is achieved which can be taken into everyday life enabling movement without tension and pain.

At first glance it appears to be  a gentle and easy form of exercise; however its combination of strengthening and mobility moves can create a very intense and highly beneficial workout. High levels of fitness or great suppleness are not a prerequisite for Pilates.   In fact, Realistic Pilates enhances both of these conditions, whilst strengthening the "core muscles" within the torso.  
If a sports enthusiast, then pilates can help improve your game.  It also helps develop breathing control, and improved co-ordination. Realistic pilates in particular pays attention to proper technique and classes are small to provide individual attention. 

The good news is that "Realistic Pilates" suits all ages and no previous experience is necessary.   Many people who suffer with remedial problems often find themselves pain free as a result of taking up Realistic Pilates.  Sometimes specific health problems are best suited to one to one sessions.

These classes are lots of fun and provide a good social network for all who attend.  They are highly beneficial for anyone who is new  to an area and keen to make new friends or for those who live alone and enjoy company.

Each class begins with a warm up which includes postural awareness.  Then each area of the body is worked in a gentle format.  Every session includes some seated work where we invariably use different props/equipment for fun and entertainment.
Small hand weights are used each week for a short space of time to maintain muscle strength (optional) and help improve co-ordination. Sessions usually finish with some relaxing Chi -Gong* which has proved so popular I now finish every class with some easy to follow postures!

*Chi Gong forms a part of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Whilst acupuncture and herbal medicine form the restorative aspect, Chi Gong forms both a preventative and restorative side of the system.  Under the principles of Chinese Medicine (Chi) is the animating life force that exists within and around everything.  Chi Gong - literally Chi exercise stimulates the flow of Chi in order to prevent ill health, and it can also be used as a restorative tool to enhance health benefits. 

Kids Fitness

For children who perceive themselves to be "no good at sport", my after school fitness sessions are all about enjoyment and having fun!  We simply play a variety of games using different themes, sometimes use equipment such as balls, parachutes etc, or their own ideas, so the emphasis is literally on having fun whilst exercising. 

Weather permitting its always nice to do sessions outside if at all possible.  I like to finish sessions with some cool down games and easy stretches to wind down.

These sessions are usually requested by primary schools as "after-school fitness/games" and as a rule usually run from

between 3pm and 4pm.  Current Enhanced Disclosure for teaching children.

Nursing Homes/Sheltered Housing

These classes aim to maintain a level of fitness which assists the activities of daily living e.g. being able to independently rise from a chair and walk short distances.  Fine motor movements are also used to assist dressing/doing buttons, ties etc, also exercises to help with arthritis in hands and finger joints, as is a range of exercises to assist improving circulation and aiding fall prevention.  

A variety of  equipment  and music that is fitting for that age-group is used and a lot of fun is generally had by all, as is lots of singing along!  Its always heartening to see someone who is unable to do some of the exercises still singing along and tapping their toes obviously gaining some enjoyment from the session. Visitors often join in and have fun too! 

Copyright May 2010: Amanda Richard t/a Funtastic Fitness
Design: Digibyte, Melrose, Scotland