| What
is Pilates? |
The
Pilates Method was devised in the early 20th century
by
Joseph Pilates. Considered to be well ahead of his
time in his research and understanding of
exercise and physiology, he developed an exercise
system that is still taught throughout the world
today.
Along
with is original exercises which are still taught
today, his original mat based exercises have also been modified
in line with current research, to enable people from
all backgrounds, with all levels of fitness, and
those with injury to start at a manageable level, but
still
maintain the principles of his original work.
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Joseph Pilates observed that when there was a weak or
misaligned area in the body, a person tended to
over-compensate or over-develop another area, therefore it
was important to not only correct the misalignment but to
re-educate the body so that injuries did not recur.
Pilates is a
body-conditioning method that works in a different way to
other fitness techniques. The
slow, controlled, flowing movements primarily
strengthen the deep ‘core’ muscles of the back,
shoulders, abdomen and gluteus that stabilise and support the spine.
By building strength from
the inside out it rebalances the body and helps to
correct postural alignment. It helps to reshape your
body, muscles become longer, leaner and more toned. Tight
muscles are stretched and weak muscles are strengthened.
Pilates is now
an incredibly popular form of exercise with the general
public of all ages and levels of fitness, and is also used
widely by sports men and women and dancers as it provides
the perfect balance between strength and flexibility.
Taught by
fitness professionals and also recommended by
physiotherapists, the Pilates method is used to prevent and
rehabilitate injuries in various parts of the body, and to
relieve stress by bringing the mind and body together,
focussing on total concentration, balance, precision and
breathing.
Why
Pilates?
-
Safe and
effective for all ages and abilities.
-
Prevents and
rehabilitates injuries by developing a healthy spine and
a body balanced with strength and flexibility.
-
Helps to
improve sports performance by training the ‘core’
muscles of the body, creating a ‘power house’ of
strength and agility.
-
Creates a flat stomach by training the Transverse
abdominis which acts as a muscular girdle, not only
supporting the back as you move but creating an
aesthetically pleasing look.
-
Mobilises
the joints and stretches the muscles of the body,
particularly beneficial for hip, back and shoulder
problems.
-
Relieves
stress by allowing you to clear your mind of problems
and worries as you concentrate fully on the controlled
movements and specific breathing technique.
-
Strengthens
the pelvic floor muscle - particularly beneficial after
childbirth.
-
Teaches you
to engage deep core muscles and to carry out daily
activities with a good posture to keep your spine
healthy.
Pilates
Principles
-
Concentration
-
Breathing
-
Centering
-
Precision
-
Flow
-
Body
awareness
-
Stamina
-
Relaxation
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