About Pilates

Pilates is for everybody. Regardless of age, gender, size or fitness level. Whether you looking for a great workout to keep your body in good condition; are recovering from injury; suffer from back issues; are needing to alleviate tension and anxiety; are pregnant; have a sedentary lifestyle or are a professional athlete.  Pilates is of benefit to all.

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Pilates is a type of mind-body exercise created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates.   Originally called "Contrology", Joseph Pilates founded his low-impact mind/body/spirit approach to movement on the integration of, what is commonly termed as "the principles of Pilates", - centering, control, concentration, precision, breath and flow.   

One of the key aspects of the Pilates techniques is  the 34 exercises  that Joseph designed to be performed on a mat, and,  which form the foundation of the practice. 

In today's modern times there are now many variations on approaches to the Pilates method, however, the 34 exercises that were were detailed in Joseph Pilates' book  remain an important part of the Pilates practice.

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Pilates is highly adaptable and exercises can be adjusted to suit individual goals and levels of fitness. Pilates exercises the whole body from head to toe with a primary focus on core strength. There are various forms of Pilates, either using the body's own weight as resistance or incorporating different types of equipment.

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 Mat Pilates utilises the body's own weight and resistance, can be done anywhere, (with or without a mat) doesn't require any  additional machinery, but makes use of small equipment such as bands, rings, balls or weights. Mat exercises can be adjusted as appropriate to accommodate body types, health conditions injuries or age and can be increased in difficulty as participants become stronger.  It is an excellent way to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.  It provides all over conditioning and brings a strong awareness and balance to the body.

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 Joseph Pilates also invented equipment such as the Cadillac, Wunda chair and Ladder barrels and which can sometimes be found in specialist Pilates studios.  However, the most commonly known piece of equipment is the Reformer, a flat bed (called a carriage) on a frame with pulleys, springs and straps along with a foot-bar and standing platform.  The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs, and can be moved back and forth along the frame.  The springs provide different levels of resistance when pulled or pushed, by legs or arms. The reformer is a versatile piece that can be used dynamically and offers a large variety of interactions with exercises that can be done lying down, or kneeling, or standing, or perching, or balancing.

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As exercise evolves with time knowledge and experience there are now a number of schools, styles and variations in the Pilates method.  But any good method should incorporate the widely agreed principles of the original method. 

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Studies have shown that regular participation in the practice of Pilates has a positive effect on stress, depression and pain. Pilates helps improve pelvic floor strength and function and can alleviate shoulder and back pain. It can improve bone density, helpful to those with osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, and it can support pre and post pregnancy or surgical recovery. Regular participation in Pilates can improve mobility, balance, coordination, breathing, core strength, stability, better posture and result in longer leaner muscles. It enhances sporting performance, aiding in rehabilitation and improving gains, and, being a mind-body practice it enhances proprioception, heightening body awareness which can prevent injury of falls.

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With a focus on core (the muscles that support and stabilise the body), Pilates aligns your body's overall structure and supports the joints, coordinating movement and breath together and strengthening the deep stabilizing muscles of the body.

Pilates concentrates on full body alignment, balancing muscles, retraining movement patterns and providing a strategy for proper muscle recruitment. It is a highly adaptable method of exercise that can be tailored to your individual needs.

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What's not to Love.