Introduction to Kala Pilates
Welcome to Kala Pilates. We’re an in-person (Sydney) and online pilates studio that can help you get healthier, fitter, and feel great about being you.
Our mission is to support and mentor you to reach your full potential physically, mentally, and mindfully. We maintain quality instruction and offer professional pilates, strength training, and conditioning, with a fun and friendly twist to fitness.
If you’re wondering what dynamic pilates is and how it can help you on your fitness journey, then you’re in the right place. In the following article, we’ll discuss what pilates is, the benefits, and what to expect from a dynamic pilates class.
What is Dynamic Pilates?
Originating in the 1920s, pilates has been around for a while. The form of exercise takes its name from its founder, Joseph Pilates, a German-born Gymnast who created the movement as a way to rehabilitate injured soldiers and dancers after World War 1. Fast forward almost one hundred years, and we’re still practising pilates today.
The classical pilates that Joseph had envisaged consists of 32, mat based, exercises that completed in a specific order from one to another - a great way to lengthen and strengthen your muscles whilst improving your balance and flexibility.
Dynamic Pilates builds on the above but also incorprates both standing exercises as well as equipment with an emphasis on core strength and posture improvement. You’ll work with your breath and flow through a series of strength-based exercises designed to challenge and work out your entire body.
Pilates is not only a fantastic way to keep yourself fit and healthy, but it’s is also a powerful tool used to aid with rehabilitation and recovery and is often recommended by both Dr’s and Physiotherapists as part of injury recovery programmes.
What Are The Benefits of Pilates?
Pilates has so many benefits, not only for the body but also for the mind. Dynamic pilates classes flow through a series of strengthening and lengthening exercises that connect your body to your breath and boost those positive endorphins to help you feel fantastic.
“Having done Pilates for a number of years due to a chronic back problem caused by too many years of playing sports, I have learnt the importance in working with a teacher that is right for you. Bridget has fantastic knowledge of my condition, what works for me, and, what work needs to be done to ensure that my interest in sports isn’t restricted to the sidelines! Happy to give a 5 star review”
Along with the mental boosting properties of pilates, there are great physical benefits, including:
Improving your posture and relieving back pain- Dynamic pilates strengthens your lower back and core muscles, which are essential to help you sit straight. Over time this improves your body’s alignment, helping to relieve back pain - especially if you sit at a desk all day!
Strengthens and tones your body - Pilates exercises will improve your core strength and muscle tone, making you feel fitter and stronger. We always offer different level variations of each exercise so you can go at your own pace or push your body; either way, you’ll improve your endurance with every class.
Improving balance - We’re not talking tightrope walking here, but seriously, your balance will improve with pilates thanks to an improvement in core strength and greater understanding between your mind-to-body connections
Your flexibility will improve - As we age, we all lose some flexibility. Dynamic pilates is proven to be one of the best methods to help improve your flexibility.
Low impact yet high intensity - Unlike running or HIIT, pilates is a low-impact exercise, but don’t think that means it’s easy. The classes will leave you feeling sweaty and worked out without putting unnecessary stress or impact on your joints.
Is Pilates Difficult?
The answer is that pilates can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. As I’ve mentioned, there are different levels of variations in all of our classes, allowing you to push your body to a level where you feel comfortable. It’s important to challenge yourself but find what feels right for your body.
Pilates vs Yoga: What’s the Difference?
So maybe you’ve done yoga before, and you’re wondering what the difference is between the two.
Yoga is also a low-impact exercise that improves your mind-to-body connection, focusing on alignment, flexibility, and balance through a series of static holds.
Pilates works on all of these aspects but, on the other hand, focuses more on a fast-flowing dynamic series of strengthening exercises to challenge and work out your whole body and your core.
What to Expect From a Kala Pilates Class?
Whether you’re working out online, at home, or in the studio, here’s a little more about what you can expect from a Kala Pilates class.
Firstly, we’re a safe and friendly space with no judgments. We believe that If you can show up on your mat each day, move your body, and tune into your breath, then that is enough.
When you join a Kala Pilates class you’ll be taught by myself, Bridget, a pilates instructor with years of experience. I’ll take you through a series of strength training and mobility exercises to offer you a challenging and fun workout guaranteed to leave you feeling physically and mentally empowered.
“Bridget is by far the best pilates teacher I’ve ever found. Her classes are a full body workout that work you really hard but leave you feeling amazing. I’ve built up so much strength and tone through them. I’ve loved every class I’ve attended and no two have ever been the same.”
At Kala Pilates, we offer live online classes and a complete online studio filled with on-demand dynamic pilates, stretching, barre, and HIIT so you won’t be stuck for choice. Check out Kala Library here.
What Equipment Do You Need For Pilates?
You can do all of our classes without equipment, but I’ve recommended my top 5 pieces of pilates equipment below to get the most out of your practice.
A good quality, non-slip mat is my most essential piece of pilates equipment. If you only choose one piece from this list - the mat is the best place to start.
Find a mat that cushions your body and allows you to feel grounded. I recommend this non-slip yoga mat made with sustainable and recycled materials, so you can feel good while saving the planet.
A favourite of mine and a staple of Kala Pilates classes, a pilates ball helps to challenge your strength, coordination, and balance. Plus, working with the ball can add a layer of fun and relaxation to your workouts. I recommend you use a 9inch sized ball.
The band adds a layer of resistance to your workout, challenging your body for a deeper burn.
Loop bands are an easy way to add a level of resistance to your workouts. You choose the resistance and feel the effects, light, medium, or heavy.
Dumbbells are often used in pilates to tone your arm muscles and add strength to your flow. I recommend you use dumbbells in the range of 1.5-2.5kg.
What Clothing Should I Wear for Dynamic Pilates?
The most important thing is that you’re comfortable. I usually do Pilates in leggings, shorts, a sports bra, and a t-shirt.
I’ve added my go-to pilates clothes below for a comfortable and supportive workout.
Why not try a class for free?
If you want to try dynamic pilates, I offer a 7-day free trial that includes online live classes and unlimited access to the on-demand library. Let me help you reach your full potential today.
