What is Pilates?
"If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old;
if it is completely flexible at 60, you are young."
Joseph Pilates
Devised by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s, it is a series of slow and controlled body conditioning exercises which target the deep postural muscles in order to build strength from within. It relieves stress, builds core stability and strength, improves muscle elasticity and mobilises spinal and peripheral joints. This can reduce the incidence of back & neck pain, which is why Pilates is often recommended by medical professionals.
The slow controlled approach to the exercises enables you to focus on the alignment, precision and quality of movement, thus re-training your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion – invaluable for enjoying daily activities, injury recovery/prevention, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.
We teach Pilates but with an emphasis on functional movement and injury prevention plus rehabilitation as required. This means that you are taught Pilates that is tailored in a way that best suits your individual needs.
Some benefits of regular Pilates
improved core strength and stability
improved muscle elasticity and flexibility
improved muscle balance promoting joint health
improved movement patterns in daily life and in sport
improved
bone
density
increased control, range and ease of movement
improved posture
& alignment,
longer, leaner, stronger muscles
increased efficiency and quality of movement
improved
balance and
co-ordination
increased bodily awareness and connection
increased circulation through deep healthy breathing
reduced stress/tension
& improved mental health
The Pilates exercise method was originally used for Boxers, but soon attracted the New York Ballet dancers, actors/actresses, gymnasts and athletes. In modern times it has been broken down in order to make it accessible to a much wider public. Pilates is suitable for all shapes, sizes, ages, abilities, backgrounds, occupations, males and females and anyone who would like to enhance the way they look, feel and move.
Is Pilates for me?