Pilates
Developed by Joseph Pilates, this form of
exercise combines mental conditioning
with physical training, working from the inside out.
In mat work classes particular attention
is paid to strengthening the core abdominal
and back muscles. This is the ultimate
exercise for anyone who wants a toned,
strong and aligned body.
Pilates is subtle, gentle on the body,
not too strenuous. It is about movement
and how to use muscles in a way that work
for you, in harmony with the breath.
Pilates is beneficial to everyone regardless
of age, or level of fitness. Benefits and full
potential come with continued practice.
Benefits include:
-
Improvement of postural imbalances
-
Increased muscular strength, elasticity and
flexibility
-
Relief of long term back problems
-
Improvement of co-ordination
and body awareness
-
Improvement in fitness and muscle tone
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between
yoga and Pilates?
There are many differences, but because
Pilates has its roots in yoga there are
also many similarities. Emphasis is
placed on breathing, concentration,
and awareness of the whole body,
the mind/body connection, precision and others.
Key areas to Pilates include:
-
Centring
Pilates has a multitude of exercises that help locate and
strengthen the pelvic floor (mula bandha) and navel to spine
(uddiyana bandha) whilst learning to release the diaphram
through the practise of lateral breathing.
-
Awareness of the sequential functioning
of the spine
Many Pilates exercises involve sequential rolling through
the spine, Increasing awareness and mobility of the individual
needs of each practitioners spine.
- Specific strengthening
Pilates is useful for identifying and rehabilitating postural
imbalances, and has a multitude of exercises that address pelvic
and shoulder girdle stability, core stability and muscle lengthening.
Do I have to be flexible to do Pilates?
No, anybody can do Pilates.
The important thing to remember is that
Pilates has the potential to go much further,
as you start to release habitual patterns
and build an awareness of the whole body.
When starting Pilates the most important
thing to remember is your breathing.
Can I do Pilates with a back problem?
There are many types of back problems,
so always seek medical advice first.
Many people improve their backs through
Pilates but some have damaged their
backs through the unintelligent practice of pilates.
When approached intelligently,
Pilates strengthens the core -
the natural support of the body -
and can release tension that many of us
hold in our backs. Don’t work through
pain in the back - 'no pain no gain' does
not apply in this work. If you are experiencing any form of regular
discomfort, seek the advice of your doctor.
Can I do Pilates during pregnancy?
Pilates is an excellent form of exercise
during and after pregnancy, however new
exercise regimes are generally discouraged
during pregnancy and the extreme focus
on the abdominal wall makes pilates
(in a general mat work class situation)
an unlikely choice for a pregnant woman
with no prior experience.
Postnatal Pilates is ideal.
Begin immediately after your doctor has
given you clearance. Take your time,
work intelligently and don’t work through
pain in this work. If you are experiencing any
form of regular discomfort, once again,
seek the advice of your doctor. |
