Top Outdoor Pilates Locations

Don't feel like going for an aerobic work out today? Not in the mood for lifting weights? Pilates is a great alternate option. You will feel great for getting those abs and butt working without any form of high impact, high intensity activity. 

On a nice day, I enjoy finding a flat, grassy knoll outdoors, rolling out a mat, putting on some music (or sometimes I'd rather just listen to the sound of the water or birds chirping) and off I go. Usually I choose to spend 30 minutes doing my program but sometimes I may extend it longer to include some additional exercises or push out the repetitions of existing ones.

A few of my favourite outdoor locations to do Pilates include:

• The Winnereremy Reserve (near the Flying Fox Cafe) , Mona Vale. It's a nice flat, grassy area beside the water with the option of being in the sun or shade.
• Newport Beach. There's a fantastic flat, grassed area that's big enough to find an area to have to yourself. 
• Clareville Beach. You have the option of being on the sand or grass, in the sun or shade. And what better way to finish off than jumping in the calming water for a quick dip.

Pilates can be done by anyone! No matter what age, gender, fitness or strength level, or what injury you may have, pilates does not discriminate. Any one who has participated in Pilates in the past can join me in saying, the burn you get from such an exercise is very rewarding. You know you're working muscles in ways you don't with "normal" exercise. You also learn to be more in touch with correct activation of these muscles as well as with the control of breathing. 

Some of the benefits of Pilates include:

• improved flexibility
• increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
• balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body
• enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs
• improved stabilisation of your spine
• improved posture
• rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
• safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
• increased body awareness
• stress management and relaxation.

Not sure about what types of exercises to do or unsure if you're activating the right muscles? Give me a call, I can help customise a suitable land based Pilates program for you (and if you wish, your friends) to be able to perform in your own time.

Hope to see you on the mat soon,

Emily