High Intensity Power Pilates at the Yoga Station

High Intensity Power Pilates (HIP Pilates) is the creation of Lisa Bradshaw. It is her vision to generate a more dynamic form of Pilates that combines the precision and focus of a traditional Pilates session with the dynamic energy of a high intensity workout.

Combining core strength, balance and coordination with an energetic cardiovascular element HIP Pilates is the answer to many people’s search for a functional ‘feel good’ workout.

To make the exercises a little more challenging, we use two small weights, 0.5 kilos or 0.75 kilos. We use light weights so that movements are fluid.

HIP Pilates offers more dynamic exercises than the everyday Pilates class, it is faster paced and coordinates bigger ranges of movement.

Integrating primal movements such as bending, squatting, lunging, twisting, pulling, pushing places a demand on the core muscles encouraging all muscles to work together in a synchronized manner and to play their specific roles. This integrated movement helps to balance muscle strength with muscle relaxation; creating a balanced body that enjoys more efficient movement.

A HIP Pilates session generally consists of:

• Warm Up Section (approx. 5mins) - This short section of the class will focus on the traditional Pilates principles: • Breathing • Alignment • Movement control • Core connection • Joint mobility (main focus on ankles, knees, hip, shoulders and spine)

• High Intensity Section (approx. 35mins) - Squat Sequence • Plank Sequence • Lunge Sequence • Plank Sequence

• Matwork Section (approx. 10mins) - This section of the session will include familiar and more traditional matwork

• Stretch section (approx. 10mins) - Focus on the main muscle groups that have been targeted throughout the session such as the glutes, hamstring, quads, abdominals, spine extensors, shoulder flexors and extensors.

All that’s needed, is a mat and a light pair of hand weights (which I provide).