Torside
Health & Wellness
Glastonbury's  Most Bespoke Cleanse and Detox Retreat

Pilates is a movement method that focuses on using the body in the most anatomically correct and beneficial way to not only perform exercise but to carry out everyday movement in a safe and efficient manner. It was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates who was widely considered a genius of anatomical mechanics. Today it is practiced worldwide, particularly in the West. Although often likened to Yoga it is a very different practice with the focus not on stretching or held positions so much as muscle targeting using alignment, breathing and centring (use of the 'core' muscles) to tone the body in an efficient and effective manner. 

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Pilates is a suitable practice for any level of fitness and mobility. It is both safe and versatile and can therefore benefit those suffering from postural imbalances, injury or physical disability. It can also be highly challenging for those wanting to build strength and endurance and makes an excellent 'support practice' to athletes, such as runners and cyclists. It can even be used as a body sculpting technique for those wanting to improve their 'bikini body'. 

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Pilates can be practiced on the mat (often incorporating small equipment such as a ball or band) or on larger equipment, many of which were designed by Joseph Pilates himself. The most famous of these is the Pilates Reformer, a complex apparatus formed of a moving carriage with leg/arm straps that works under spring tension. This is a wonderful and highly effective form of exercise and has an extensive range of use, capable of challenging professional athletes. Pia considers the Reformer as the most effective means of body conditioning, in addressing dysfunctional movement patterns and in injury rehabilitation. 

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PIA'S PILATES MODEL

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"A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion." Joseph Pilates 

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Pia has practiced Pilates for over 20 years and is an advocate of both its effectiveness as a form of exercise and body conditioning but also for its wider health benefits. She has long believed in working out 'smart, not hard'. That is to say, in exercising as efficiently as possible and not to the point of excessive fatigue or pain which she considers as antiquated and inefficient, exposing the body to potential damage and health detriments. Instead, Pia believes that when cardio and weight-bearing exercise are practiced regularly in a challenging, yet correct, safe and manageable form, strength and stamina may be built rapidly and effectively without risk of pain or injury, regardless of age, fitness or mobility. She is also an advocate of the great healing power of regular exercise for both the body and mind. 

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Pilates forms a cornerstone of the retreat at Torside Health & Wellness. 

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Outside of the retreat, Pia offers one to one classes (mat work, small equipment and reformer with tower) for all ages and abilities. She is qualified to teach Pre and Post Natal Pilates and Pilates for Bone Health for those suffering with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. She is also qualified to assist athletes improve their performance, take their fitness and agility further and assist them in recovery from injury. 

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Once you have grasped the basics of the Pilates Method, Pia will assist you to create a fitness and nutrition plan tailored to your personal needs and specialises in 20 minute all-over body sculpting sequences that can be performed anywhere, with little or no equipment.

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Pia is able to combine Pilates with Kinesiology to identify imbalances in muscle tonicity. In addressing these imbalances, she can pin point the root cause of injury, assist you to achieve better overall strength, improve movement patterns and reduce pain and risk of injury.

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Pia is a member of the Body Control Association, the Society for the Pilates Method and a Founding Member of the Body Control Academy.

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Applications of Pilates:

- build strength, stamina and endurance

- improve posture and mobility

-identify the source of injury and assist recovery

- address dysfunctional movement patterns

- improve balance

- improve bone density (extremely relevant in perimenopause and those suffering with osteoporosis or osteopenia)

- help prepare and recover from childbirth or surgery

- assist in event training and sports technique

- professional athlete support

-body sculpting

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Charges:

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One to One sessions are charged at £65 per hour Glastonbury/ £110 per hour Mayfair, London.