Benefits of Pilates

The benefits of Pilates are many.

• improved flexibility
• improved posture
• recommended by doctors for injury prevention and rehabilitation for example hip, knee, lower back issues
• improved physical coordination and balance
• increased body awareness
• stress management and relaxation

It is important that we take care of ourselves both mentally and physically.  Pilates can do just that… not only is it a physical workout, it can help to alleviate stress and anxiety while bringing about wellness to our mental health.

The Principles

Concentration

Pilates demands intense focus: “You have to concentrate on what you’re doing all the time”. “Contrology” was Joseph Pilates’ preferred name for his method, and it was based on the idea of muscle control.

Centering

For practitioners to control their bodies, they must have a starting place: the center. The center is the focal point of the Pilates Method.

Flow or efficiency of movement

Pilates aims for elegant sufficiency of movement, creating flow through the use of appropriate transitions. Pilates is flowing movement outward from a strong core.

Precision

Precision is essential to correct Pilates: The goal is for this precision to eventually become second nature and carry over into everyday life as grace and economy of movement.

Breathing

Breathing is important in the Pilates method. Joseph Pilates advised people to squeeze out the lungs as they would wring a wet towel dry. Pilates attempts to properly coordinate this breathing practice with movement.

What can pilates do for YOU?

A resistance based movement technique, has many benefits. It brings the whole body into union by addressing the respiratory system, nervous system and musculoskeletal system. It activates the deep muscles of the torso and the postural muscles of the spine, which help to stabilize the trunk as the body moves. Such conditioning alleviates back pain and prevents injury.

Pilates will also relieve symptoms, like excess muscle tension, due to a variety of common causes, including: stress, trauma, accident, injury, overuse and back issues.

Pilates has been shown to successfully improve strength and endurance for a variety of individuals, including:

• Dancers
• Athletes
• Performing artists
• Fitness enthusiasts,
• Those seeking greater freedom in their everyday movement,
• Those seeking freedom from pain
• Office and sedentary workers seeking exercise to counter occupational strain