Reformer Flow
FOCUS: Control, balance, strength and mobility.
Our commercial grade Reformers are a versatile piece of equipment that use loaded springs to create resistance but also stability in your movements. In Reformer Flow we use mainly light to medium resistance, performing higher repetitions of each exercise to increase the endurance of your muscle strength.
Reformer Flow classes are designed carefully with layers to each exercise. Starting you off with a basic movement, then providing options to add to it to make it more complex, challenge more parts of the body simultaneously, load the muscles more, test your balance and move through larger ranges of motion to work mobility. The layers you add are up to you meaning beginners and more experienced Reformers pros will find their own challenges.
Appropriate for all experience and fitness levels.
If you prefer to try it privately before joining a group class please contact us to arrange a 1 on 1 session (see below).
Pilates Mat
FOCUS: Strength, stability, mobility and control.
A controlled, low-impact class designed to empower you to move your body without fear. Use your breath to connect to your core allowing your body to find it’s ideal alignment to work safely. Based on Joseph Pilates "contrology" we will work the whole body where ever part has a role to play. Get extra challenge by adding hand held props such as small hand weights, balls, resistance bands, slider discs, Pilates rings and more. Don't let the slower nature of this class fool you, you will definitly feel it.
Exercises are layered starting with a basic movement that we then add extra elements on top of or slightly alter to make it more challenging. It is up to you whether you take the layers or not so you make it as challenging as you wish.
Appropriate for all experience and fitness levels. We generally recommend this as the class to start with if you are a bit unsure.
Reformer Strong
FOCUS: Strength and stability
Using our commercial grade Reformers this full body workout will focus on building strength, combatting (and even beginning to reverse) the natural decline of muscle mass and bone density as we age by using medium to heavy load/resistance
In Reformer Strong we keep the exercises are a little more basic in nature and encourage you to take higher resistance springs on the Reformer as well as add hand weights and ankle weights to increase the load and keep more of the body working throughout the class as you build strength to keep you progressing.
Appropriate for all experience and fitness levels.
If you prefer to try it privately before joining a group class please contact us to arrange a 1 on 1 session (see below).
Power Pilates
FOCUS: Cardio, strength and endurance.
Pilates but make it cardio. Moving to the beat of music we will flow one move in to the next, and the next and the next (you get the idea) to keep you moving, get your heart rate up and have those muscles burning in a whole new way. Taking the moves you love from Pilates Mat, we set them to music to keep you moving consistently and evenly through each rep. Expect large ranges of motion for that dynamic cardio, then we slow it down for tiny pulses using time under tension to build strength. We will challenge your balance and coordination using that mind to muscle connection that Pilates is renowned for. This is the ultimate all-round workout. No muscles left behind with sections of each class devoted to upper body, lower body and abdominals while improving heart and lung function.
Appropriate for all experience and fitness levels.
Progressions and modifications provided so you pick your challenge.
Seniors Classes
Seniors Pilates
Our Seniors Pilates classes are designed with those who can not get down on the floor in mind. The entire class is done either standing or sitting in chairs. We will work the whole body using body weight exercises as well as small props such as hand weights, balls and resistance bands. Focusing on building strength, bone density, mobility of joints and balance this is a low impact class that gives you time to find your own challenges and get moving with some like minded friends.
Seniors Reformer
A similar style and pace to our Seniors Pilates class but using our commerical grade Reformers. Reformer machines are incredibly diverse and use loaded springs to provide resistance and support to your movements. A great way to add challenge to our strengthening exercises and support your joints while challenging balance. Our Reformers sit approximately 30cm off the floor so can still suit those who struggle to get down on a mat, however you will still need a decent range of mobility particularly through the hips and knees to get on the Reformers. If you are unsure we recommend attending a Seniors Pilates class first and having a chat to your instructor and a look at the equipment.
Stretch
FOCUS: Flexibility and mobility
Give your body some love with 40 mins of stretching and mobility. Work on flexibility and movement of the spine while mindfully connecting to your body and your breath.
We will guide you through stretches to help ease tensions in common areas such as neck, shoulder, back and hips. If you have particular aches one day, mention them to your instructor as you arrive for class and we will be sure to incorporate some options to help with those.
To us, stretching is a very personal thing. This is not a class where we provide corrections or adjustments as we believe your body will find the way that feels good to you, so we will explain how to get the most out of each stretch and movement based on evidence based research, but if it feels better to you to do it slightly differently or you just prefer a different stretch in that moment we will leave you to it. It is your time to do what feels good on your body.
Bubs & Bumps
Enjoy Pilates specifically designed to assist with your journey through your pregnancy as well as help your body return to movement after bub is born. All moves will be pre and postnatal appropriate with modifications made to ensure we keep you and bub safe throughout and everyone chooses their own challenge regardless of your fitness or experience level.
Prenatal mums will be given options to help lean into the natural softening of their bodies preparing for birth while still providing strength work to keep fit and healthy during this journey and prepare for your postnatal life with new little bub.
Postnatal clients will be given help to build safely back into engaging the core, gaining better pelvic floor control and building strength. Feel more in control and better ownership of your body.
Babies are welcome to come along until they are mobile, they can join in with you for some bonding time or have some tummy time on a mat next to you. Once they are mobile it is unfortunately time to graduate from the Bubs and Bumps class OR they must be secured in a stroller to ensure those little fingers can't get caught in the equipment.
Post natal clients are required to have a clearance from their health care professional and we highly recommend consulting with a women's health physiotherapist.
Private Session
1 on 1 Reformer
Private sessions are available upon request. Reach out via the "Contact us" section or e-mail studio@focuspilatescowra.com.au with some availability options so we can find a mutually suitable time.
Private sessions are perfect if you have not tried Reformer before and would like to learn a few basics before hopping in to a group class. Also fantastic for those who can not find a group class time slot that works for them or the more experienced Reformer goer that would like to learn some more advanced movements.
Private sessions can be a one-off occurence or depending on availability we can arrange for an ongoing appointment.