U3A Denia

Email pilates@u3adenia.com
Meetings:	Monday and Wednesday
Time:	Varies depending on the class
Venue:	Denia Centro de Fitness

Teacher - LOURDES

We now have two Pilates classes.
One is a non-U3A class for members with previous experience of Pilates. You can join the class for a fee of four euros a session, or it's included if you pay the monthly gym subscription. This class meets every Monday at 10am.

The second group is a beginners’ class and meets every Wednesday at 10.30am.

Lourdes is an excellent teacher, speaks English and runs a successful class with different levels of ability.

EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING and SAFETY MEASURES
~ Exercises are normally done in bare feet but at the moment stockinged feet is preferred.
~ Wear loose clothing.
~ Provide your own exercise mat. They can be obtained from a local sports shop or one of the Chinese bazaars.
~ Other equipment inc balls, bands and rings are provided by Denia Fitness Centre.
If you have any questions, please contact Ginny Whitehead: cheftalia47@gmail.com

ABOUT PILATES

Pilates was a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Research has shown that Pilates improves balance, increases well-being & helps tone muscles.

There are nine principle elements when practising Pilates:-

1. Breathing - This is considered important because it increases the intake of oxygen and the circulation of this oxygenated blood to every part of the body.
2. Concentration - Pilates stresses intense focus on the way that exercises are done. It is often stressed that concentration on the exercise is more important than the exercises themselves.
3. Control – All exercises are done by controlling and working muscles to lift them and counteract gravity.
4. Centring - Much focus is core. That is the group of central muscles in the body which include the abdomen, lower and upper back, hips, buttocks, and inner thigh. All movements in Pilates begin from the centre and move outward to the limbs.
5. Flow – The aim in Pilates practice is for an economy movement which builds strength and stamina.
6. Postural alignment – Using correct posture corrects muscle imbalances and optimizes coordination.
7. Precision - The focus is on doing one precise and perfect movement, rather than many half-hearted ones.
8. Relaxation – It is believed that short spells of relaxation help the working on muscles and improves mental concentration.
9. Stamina - Movement should be efficient so there is less stress when performing the exercises. However, ultimately stamina is built.