WILIEN STRYDOM
Senior Presenter
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates over 80 years ago. He originally named his method "Contrology" because he believed in the power of our minds to control our bodies.
He is quoted as saying:
"One of the major results of Contrology is gaining the mastery of your mind over the complete control of your body. After 10 sessions you'll notice the difference, after 20 sessions others will notice, after 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body!" - Joseph Pilates
Pilates is discipline
Like martial arts and dance, pilates requires regular practice and patience to achieve perfection.
Pilates is movement
It utilises the core to initiate a wide range of movements in a controlled and flowing manner.
Pilates is exercise
It develops the body's strength and flexibility through a series of exercises that target individual muscle groups. The goals are superior core muscles - abdominal, buttocks, back and integration of the spine and limbs.
Each exercise is executed with a limited number of repetitions. The aim is to perform the exercises with deep concentration, complete control and body awareness.
Pilates uses mind and body
It focuses both on the mind and muscular system to achieve mental and physical harmony.
People often ask if they can de-stress by doing pilates. However, pilates requires mental focus, which means your mind stays sharp throughout the workout and so a good pilates workout should leave you feeling energised and alert!
Benefits of Pilates
As pilates is a whole body workout that is challenging on muscles, yet gentle on joints, it can benefit all individuals, ranging from the elderly and those who suffer from lower back discomfort, to fitness enthusiasts.
The increased strength, flexibility, alignment and physical awareness from a specific pilates programme is also great for athletes, such as golfers, tennis players, tri-athletes and even dancers to improve their performance and prevent future risk of injury.
Key benefits include:
Relief from aches & pains
Aids post-injury rehabilitation
Improved muscle flexibility
Better posture
Mind-body connection for greater body confidence
Increased joint mobility
Superior abdominal strength
Enhances sports performance
Maintains muscle tone for expectant mums
Long, lean defined muscles
Eases neck pain and headaches
Pelvic Floor Muscle Function/ Awareness
About Us
The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) is a world leading provider of Physiotherapy and Pilates Treatment, Education and Products. From its humbled beginnings in Melbourne, Australia, APPI's unique program of rehabilitation based Pilates programs has led the world for over 14 years.
We are committed to delivering Physiotherapy and Pilates to as many people as we can through our brilliant international partners. APPI educational programs are world renown and now available in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and across the USA.
APPI Presenters are qualified in the APPI Pilates method and hold a physiotherapy degree. Our phenomenal team of presenters are highly qualified and experienced and are at the forefront of the their respective fields. Our lead presenter Leslie Abrahams is also an APPI Master Trainer who has been presenting courses internationally since 2008.
leslie abrahams
Lead Presenter and
APPI representative in South Africa
Meet Our team
We are the official provider of APPI Pilates courses to Physiotherapists and equivalent degree therapists in South Africa.
Bodies Under Construction Pilates was established in 2007 in the UK by Leslie Abrahams, and is the official provider of APPI Pilates instructor courses for Physiotherapists and equivalent degree therapists in South Africa since 2016. APPI Pilates instructor training courses have been specifically designed by Physiotherapists and is the ideal choice of training for those working in the clinical/rehabilitation setting and wishing to undertake Clinical Pilates with clients.
Wilien graduated from the University of the Free State in 2008. She has gained experience in Private Practice in the United Kingdom and South Africa resulting in a focused, hands-on approach to rehabilitation with a special interest in Orthopaedic Post-Operative rehabilitation. She believes in equipping patients with knowledge and exercise, resulting in better movement and improved quality of life. Wilien has her own Private Practice in Somerset West, Cape Town.
Hello
Why Pilates?
Leslie has over 25 years of clinical experience collectively in Private Practice, both in South Africa and the United Kingdom. He studied at U.C.T. He has a special interest in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy, lumbo-pelvic stability dysfunction and lower limb biomechanics. He believes in a movement culture, assisting patients to reverse the effects of modern day living on their body, and providing them with strategies to maintain wellness. Pilates provides a fabulous base on which to build movement philosophies and adaptations. Leslie is a private practice owner, with clinics specialising in Physio and Studio Pilates in the United Kingdom.