Power Pilates: Take your class to the next level

People tend to associate Pilates with a slower-paced, lower intensity workout. Concentration, breath, and flowing movements are some of the key principles of Pilates and are rarely associated with increased heart rates and sweaty bodies.

But there’s no reason why this much-loved exercise style can’t also be for the not so faint-hearted. So, if you’re ready to step your Pilates training up a notch and have clients who are keen on a higher intensity workout that will leave them out of breath, read on.

What is Power Pilates?

Steeped in the traditional principles of Pilates that the APPI Pilates course will teach you, Power Pilates is a method of increasing difficulty that encompasses gross, whole-body movements. A great way to progress clients from an intermediate level and for those wanting to incorporate some cardio into their Pilates workout.

What’s involved?

You don’t need to channel Jane Fonda circa 1980 to add an aerobic component to your Pilates class (please leave all leotards at the door). Choosing more advanced movements and tweaking some of the modifiable components of the classic exercises can also do the trick. Try these tips to pump up the intensity of your next class:

• Up the tempo. Try double, or even triple time. Consider doing one phase of the movement faster than the other.
• Add resistance. Dumbbells, resistance bands, heavier springs. It’ll all work.
• Increase reps and tack on static holds or pulses to the end of an exercise series to really target a muscle group.
• Include some plyometrics with the jump board.
• Make it whole body. Throw in some arm work during the footwork series on the reformer for a total body burn.
• Move into standing. Instead of doing the back row arms series in kneeling, come up into standing, either on or at the end of the reformer. Why not add some squats while you’re at it? 

Why your clients will love it.

Despite the sheen of sweat at the end your class, your clients will also be sporting some well earnt smiles. The research is out, and the benefits cardiovascular exercise reach far and wide. Here are some of our favourites:

• An endorphin hit gives us that warm-fuzzy, feel-good feeling and naturally boosts our energy levels.
• Impacts our mental health by promoting positivity and feelings of self-worth, reducing stress and anxiety, and minimising social isolation (I’m looking at you, Pilates buddies).
• Improves sleep quality—who couldn’t do with more quality pillow time?
• Lowers the risk of nasty, chronic diseases.
• Keeps us strong, with improved fitness levels and muscle tone.

We think they’re enough reasons, but if you don’t believe us, give it a go, and pump up the intensity of your next Pilates class. There’ll be no turning back.