Curious about our new classes?
We have added some new classes into our timetable at Embody! Here is some finer detail about what they are all about:
Strength & Functional Fitness
This class is designed to build strength, endurance and fitness in functional activities that will help us with day to day activities. The fundamental movements in our daily life are:
· Push – trolleys, doors, scrubbing etc
· Pull – drawers, doors, pulling chair / furniture
· Squat – picking up objects, getting out of chairs
· Lunge – picking up objects, getting on and off floor
· Bend – bending to pick up objects, reaching into cupboards / fridge
· Twist – getting in and out of car
· Walk
This class is designed to include all of these movement patterns in a fun and safe environment and exercises can be modified to suit all ages and abilities. You should expect to do squats, lift some weights, and raise a sweat. Remember, it can all be modified to suit any injuries or pains you may have.
What should I bring?
All you need is yourself, a towel and a water bottle. You should wear workout clothes and joggers/ closed in shoes.
Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates is mostly done on the floor. It incorporates a series of exercises to target each muscle to improve strength, flexibility and function. We use our breath to control core stability throughout all our movements. Each movement starts with a ‘beginners’ movement and then increases in complexity to more advanced movements. This allows each participant to work at their own level and those looking for a challenge to keep working.
Do I need to get on the floor?
Yes, most of the class is done on the floor laying on your back, on your stomach, kneeling or side lying. A small portion of the class is done in standing. The position changes are limited as much as possible so participants don’t need to get up and down off the floor repeatedly. Remember that knowing how to get up off the floor is a fundamental movement and keeps us independent, it shouldn’t be avoided.
What should I bring?
You should bring a thick mat (a thin yoga mat is usually not enough), socks, a towel and a water bottle. Wear comfortable loose or stretchy clothes. No shoes are required.
Balance & Bones
This class is designed to improve bone health and target falls prevention.
As we age, osteoporosis can become a concern and one of the best ways to maintain bone health is to participate in regular exercise that includes strength exercises. Some exercises you may do include sit to stand, step ups and lifting weights. All exercises can be modified and the group is small so supervision and support will be provided.
The risk of falls also increases as we age. This class also incorporates specific balance exercises, ball games to challenge our cognitive ability and we also practice getting up and down from the floor.
Getting on and off the floor can be very daunting the first time you are asked to do it. Our Exercise Physiologist, Alicea, will be with you to show you how you can safely get onto the floor and can give exercises / stretches to make it easier next time. The last thing you want is to get onto the floor at home and not be able to get up. This is the perfect time to practice where you have experts with you who can show you how to get up safely.
Pregnancy Pilates
Pilates is a safe and effective exercise to do throughout your entire pregnancy. You can start Pilates at any time during your pregnancy, even if you have never done it before. And you can exercise all the way through your pregnancy until your little one arrives.
Pilates will help reduce and manage aches and pains, maintain strength, educate you on your pelvic floor and prepare you for birth and baby. Evidence shows that exercise can reduce active labour time, decreases the chance of assisted delivery and tearing and improves recovery times.
The class will incorporate mat exercises as well as reformer and apparatus exercises that are safe during pregnancy. All exercises can be modified for your comfort and we use pillows, cushions, mats and wedges to make sure your positioned well throughout the entire class.
Shorter active labour times, easier
Is it safe to lay on your back during pregnancy?
After 16 weeks, it is not recommended that you sleep on your back. However, if the mother is comfortable, exercises can be done on her back for shorter periods of time. Of course, if you are not comfortable on your back, we have wedges available to keep you more upright.
You can book into any of these classes online. An initial consultation will be required prior to attending the Pregnancy Pilates class.
Call the studio to secure your spot today! 07 5337 9853