Originally designed as a form of physical rehabilitation, Joseph Pilates started what he called 'Contrology' as this method of exercise required "the complete co-ordination of body, mind and spirit".
More than 80 years later, Pilates is now a very popular form of exercise worldwide. It is used by a wide range of people from athletes and dancers to seniors and people at various stages of rehabilitation, as the exercises can be modified from basic to advanced.
Stress, inactivity, illness and poor/incorrect training techniques all lead to our bodies gradually becoming misaligned by way of muscle imbalances in strength and length and the development of tight/shortened and tight/lengthened fascia. These changes result in poor posture and painful conditions. Poor posture and movement then creates more stress for the body and the cycle continues.
Pilates is the answer to this problem as it promotes strength, uniform muscle development, flexibility and increased range of motion in joints, allowing movement to flow through the body in a natural way. It will change the way you move in both exercise/sport and your everyday life. Known as the 'Intelligent exercise' it increases the awareness of the proper placement of the spine and pelvis, whilst creating an inner strength to support the natural curves of the spine.
Pilates is not like any other exercise you’ll come across. It strengthens your body from the inside out as each exercise requires core stabilisation and mind-body awareness. The ‘core muscles’ of the body are made up of the deep stabilising muscles of the back, abdomen and pelvic floor. These are the muscles we rely on to support the torso while maintaining good posture and efficient movement patterns. Pilates exercises include correct postural alignment, active, conscious breathing to engage the deeper abdominal muscles, stretching, strengthening and accuracy of movement. The entire body co-ordinates as a whole, instead of one part working in isolation. You will learn to breathe correctly from the diaphragm, activating and using your abdominal muscles to power your movements. As you develop your core strength, you develop stability throughout your entire torso.
Making Pilates your exercise choice or incorporating it into your exercise regime has countless benefits:
Option 1: Private one-on-one sessions (mat and equipment)
Option 2: Bring a friend or two for Duet or Trio sessions (mat and equipment)
(Private, Duet and Trio sessions done in a fully equipped Pilates studio)
Option 3: Group mat classes (with big and small balls, bands and Pilates rings)
Contact Lisa to find out which option is best for you!