Pilates is a system of exercises that focuses on stretching and strengthening the whole body to help improve balance, muscular strength, flexibility and posture. Pilates helps to build strength from the inside out by using exercises that are very safe, controlled and progressive.
The Pilates method was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s and was initially designed for men, however this method has been modified over the years and the Pilates we now know is for everyone. The main similarity is the original principle of gaining complete control of your body by carrying out slow, controlled flowing movements with body awareness.
Pilates mainly focuses on our deep core stabilising muscles, pelvic floor muscles and scapular stabilisers. Working on these muscles allows the body to be brought back into a balanced state and ultimately improve our postural alignment.
Pilates has been shown to be beneficial in many ways, such as:
Pilates is of particular benefit to people who may suffer from back pain, arthritis and osteoporosis. It is also suitable throughout pregnancy and also post nataly to help mum recover and get back into shape.
Pilates type exercises are a part of the rehabilitation process in a physiotherapy treatment session but one to one Pilates sessions can also be carried out.
