What is Pilates?
Pilates is a gentle yet highly effective form of exercise designed to strengthen the body, improve flexibility and enhance overall wellbeing. Suitable for all ages and abilities, it focuses on controlled movement, good posture and building strength from the inside out.
How Pilates Works
Controlled Movement With Lasting Benefits
Pilates often uses slow, precise movements to strengthen your core muscles while improving balance, posture and flexibility. Rather than focusing on high-impact exercise or repetitive movements, each exercise is performed with control and concentration to help your body move more efficiently. The movements are sometimes performed more quickly to challenge you, as long as they can be performed correctly.
Regular practice strengthens the muscles in your abdomen, back, shoulders, arms, hips and legs, helping you feel stronger, more balanced and more confident in everyday life.
Benefits of Pilates
How Pilates Can Help
Regular Pilates can help you:
- Strengthen your core and support your spine
- Improve posture and balance
- Increase flexibility and mobility
- Build strength throughout the body
- Aid recovery following injury
- Enhance sporting performance
- Feel more relaxed and energised
- Improve overall health and wellbeing
The History of Pilates
From Joseph Pilates To Today
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, who was born in Germany in 1880. As a child he was often unwell, which inspired him to study gymnastics, martial arts, weight training and other forms of exercise to improve his own health and strength.
During the First World War he continued developing his approach to movement and body conditioning, creating what he originally called Contrology – a method designed to coordinate the mind, body and breathing through precise, controlled movement.
Today, Pilates is practised all over the world and has become one of the most recognised methods of improving strength, mobility and overall wellbeing.
Is Pilates Right For Me?
Suitable For All Ages And Abilities
One of the biggest advantages of Pilates is that it can be adapted to suit almost everyone.
Whether you’re new to exercise, returning after injury, looking to improve your posture or wanting to complement another sport, exercises can be modified to suit your individual needs and ability. As your confidence and strength improve, the exercises naturally progress with you.
Ready to Give Pilates a Try?
Whether you’re completely new to Pilates or looking to return after a break, I’d be delighted to help you find the right class.