Innovations in Pilates

Become stronger, fitter and more flexible through this effective system of Pilates. Improve muscular function and endurance and improve core strength while simultaneously improving flexibility. And have fun doing it!

Possible Benefits of Innovations in Pilates
• Muscular strength & endurance
• Increased functional flexibility
• Increased energy levels
• Decreased muscular pain
• Balanced body strength
• Enhanced sports performance
• Increased body awareness

Stuart McDonald has been trained up personally by Anthony Lett in his Fitzroy Pilates Studio to teach the Innovations in Pilates method. He also provides classes and private sessions using the Innovations in Pilates method. Scroll down for Innovations in Pilates class times and costs.

What Is Innovations in Pilates?
It is best spoken in the words of the original innovator, Anthony Lett (taken from Fitzroy Pilates Studio's website).

"Innovations in Pilates" is the name that we give to our particular way of practicing the Pilates Method. In fact, we practice a hybrid of Pilates and another technique which Anthony has named "Therapeutic Muscle Stretching (TMS)". Our approach is innovative because it blends these two methods.

"The Pilates method is well known for increasing core strength, dynamic stability, and full and functional athletic movement. It can also be used in a clinical context, to isolate and strengthen injured regions of the body, and to help in the reprogramming of motor control deficits. TMS has as its explicit goal the safe and efficient acquisition of flexibility, and also spans rehabilitation to performance enhancement. Combining the two methods means that we are able to offer clients a broader set of challenges and outcomes, and where one method is lacking, the other can compensate. We feel that the combination offers a very complete set of tools for achieving physical health and well-being.

What's an Innovations in Pilates class involve?
An Innovations class typically begins with "pre-Pilates" work. This involves exercises aimed at gently activating the core musculature to stabilise the spine while integrating simple movements of the limbs. Clients often call this work, "body awareness". The exercises then progress on to more dynamic, intense Pilates exercises, aimed at stronger core activation, muscular endurance and functional flexibility. A Mat class would typically move straight into abdominal then back exercises, while a Reformer class typically begins with legs and then on to abdominal exercises. The class would then progress to other integrated motions, attempting to replicate most fundamental movements of the body.

Interspersed throughout the session are numerous Innovations flexibility exercises. The last 15 minutes are usually dedicated to Innovations in Pilates flexiblity work, where participants often request their "favourite" or "most needed" stretching exercises.

Term Costs

Payment is made on a term basis. If you join part way through the term, you can pay on a pro-rata basis for the remainder of the term.

Floor based classes use only Mat-work Pilates and stretching exercises.

Equipment based classes use the Studio equipment - Reformers, backbenders, and others.

For more information, see our Times & Costs page.