§         The following is some background information on Pilates.

What is Pilates?  

Pilates is the name of low-impact exercise routines to improve control of all the core muscles in the body, so that all our muscles will function correctly.  Core abdominal stability is emphasised with all movements.  Pilates is named after its founder who developed the routines in the first half of the 20th century by bringing together exercise regimes of both the East and West available to him at the time.  He wanted to develop bodies that could function “with zest and pleasure”.

Pilates has become more popular due to its emphasis on using our deep stabilising muscles.  When these muscles are “switched on”, we develop core strength and stability which can create better alignment and posture in our body and improve everyday functioning.   Recent research from the University of Queensland has shown that the use of these muscles can reduce back-pain and also help with shoulder, neck and knee problems.

The movements are progressive, depending on your level, and include stretches.  All movements can be modified to take into consideration different bodies, levels of fitness and rehabilitation needs.  It is also possible to use various pieces of equipment with many of the movements.

The practice is based on:

1.       Concentration – on every part of each movement.

2.      Breathing – the breath works with each movement: many movements require an inhalation for 3-5 seconds, followed by a sigh out for 3-5 seconds.

3.      Centering – the power for the movements comes from the area between the ribs and hips both front and back, which is why it is important to use our deep abdominal stabilisers correctly.

4.      Control – each movement should be done in the capable range of the practitioner.

5.      Precision – each movement needs attention so that the precise movement is performed at all times.

6.      Flowing Movements – require no jerkiness or interruption between each part of a movement and between repetitions.

7.      Isolation – attention is given to working each particular muscle in its correct way.

8.      Routine – as with all exercise regimes, improvements will come more quickly if Pilates is practised 3 times per week.

Pilates will give you longer, leaner muscles.  You will have the sense of working from the inside out and as with other mind/body routines, you may find stress levels will decrease.

Please remember to be aware of your own body in the practice of the movements.  It is suggested that you try to attain a level of 8 on a scale of 1-10, for flexibility or work load – but common sense should also be followed.

Whether the aim is to rehabilitate your body after an injury or to gain general  fitness, the emphasis in a session will be on the correct use of muscles in the correct order.

You will find that you take what you learn in Pilates into your day-to-day life, which will also help with improving your posture and body functioning.