"The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power."
"Never slouch as doing so compresses the lungs, overcrowds other vital organs, rounds the back, and throws you off balance."
- Joseph Pilates
Practising Pilates in the workplace has so many benefits, for employers and employees alike.
Whatever industry you're in, the kind of repetitive movements we all do, day in, day out, can have a seriously harmful impact on both physical and mental well-being. Although we commonly associate stiffness and poor posture with sedentary jobs, even people in manual trades often don't get the right kind of mobility from their work, and may find themselves slouching by the end of the day.
Maybe your employees spend all day sat down, hunched over a computer or a pottery wheel, or driving a vehicle for hours at a time. Perhaps they're on their feet most of the day, working as a tradesperson, or in a shop or kitchen. Any of these activities can lead to back pain, injuries and stress, reducing productivity and increasing the number of sick days that employees take.
Offering Pilates classes in the workplace encourages staff to get active together, increasing mobility, posture and wellbeing, so that they feel better and your company can reap the benefits. Unlike other forms of exercise, Pilates is gentle, accessible and suitable for everyone, regardless of age, gender, size and ability. And with classes available on-site, at a reduced cost to them, there's no excuse for employees not to take advantage!
With its focus on realigning the spine and strengthening postural muscles, Pilates helps to counteract the tension, aches, and back and neck pain caused by prolonged sitting or standing, as well as improving posture, muscle tone and strength. The relaxing nature of Pilates helps to reduce stress, improving employees' sense of wellbeing, and give them a boost during the working day.
There are also significant social benefits for employees practising exercise together. Because Pilates can be adapted to suit everyone, small group classes can help to build morale and foster equality in the workplace.
How it works
I offer fixed fees for small group classes, between 45-60 minutes, for up to a maximum of 12 people. This can either be paid in full by the company or covered by staff, or the employer may choose to subsidise the cost of classes so that employees are offered a reduced rate.
Using space within your workplace saves on studio hire costs and most meeting rooms are suitable, as long as furniture can be moved. Ideally the company will provide mats and head cushions, or ask employees to supply these themselves; I will provide other small pieces of equipment to be used during the class.
Please contact me for more details.