What is Pilates?
Pilates is a movement method developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates around the 1920’s, which emphasises the partnership of body and mind. Influenced by their work and acknowledged by scientific research, Pilates today is centred on self-awareness, spinal alignment and the strengthening of the deep abdominal and pelvic muscles that help to support the torso.
The aim is to develop physical strength and muscular control, according to a holistic approach that focuses on breathing, concentration, flow and precision. This practice not only trains the mind and the body simultaneously, but combined with deliberate breathing it can contribute to reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing a calm state of mind.
With over one hundred years of history, Pilates has developed into a myriad of movement modifications, from therapeutic and rehabilitating exercises to challenging workouts that can suit everyone, regardless of age, gender and physical condition. Pilates is for everyone and for everyday!
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Joseph Pilates believed that it is our own responsibility to keep healthy and physically fit and to maintain our body moving efficiently and correctly. "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness." As we tend to live longer lives, it is important to maintain healthy habits and fitness awareness that will enable us to live long and fulfilled lives, independently.
The many benefits of Pilates include:
-
Mobility & Flexibility
-
Joint stability
-
Spinal health
-
Injury prevention
-
Improved Posture
-
Bone strength
-
Relief of tension
-
Muscle-Fascia balance
-
Muscular strength and elongation
-
Relaxation
-
Concentration
-
Balance
Pilates is recommended by doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors to a wide range of patients, to complement treatment of a variety of issues. A personalised program of exercises can be designed to support patients with movement restrictions and chronic back problems.
Pilates & Back Care
“If your spine is stiff at 30,” Pilates stated, ”you are old. If it is flexible at 60, you are young.”
Back problems are affecting over half of the adult population in Western society. However, it is recognised that with increased knowledge, body awareness, regular and effective movement we can prevent and repair back pain in many situations.
Pilates aims to develop correct posture, which produces the least amount of strain and wear and tear on the spine and other joints. This movement programme helps to strengthen the deep abdominal and postural muscles, promotes mobilisation and flexibility in the spine which together prevent and alleviate back pain symptoms.
If you are affected by Osteoarthritis, Pilates’ low impact exercises can help maintain your joints mobile and lubricated, allied to improved muscle strengthening to provide the necessary support and stability that your joints need.
Complementing good nutrition with gentle, weight-bearing exercise and correct hormonal balance can significantly help increase bone mineral density and prevent the onset of Osteoporosis. If you have Osteoporosis, some exercises will have to be modified to suit your condition, but with the correct advice from your doctor and Pilates instructor you will be able to strengthen your bones and muscles.
It is important that you consult a doctor or physiotherapist for any back problems to obtain a correct medical diagnosis, treatment and their approval before you start exercising.
Our Pilates class locations
