What Is Pilates?
Modern Pilates is based on the original works of German-born Joseph Pilates, who founded the Pilates method in the 1920’s. His methods were used by dancers, gymnasts, and actresses. Modern Pilates looks at the original works of Joseph Pilates, but then takes Pilates into the 21st Century. They have taken the best of Joseph Pilates' techniques and combined them with recent research and knowledge that they have about fitness, exercise and core stability. This has enabled Modern Pilates to create a scientific and educationally sound programme for health and fitness professionals, thereby providing instructors (like myself) with the skills to teach Pilates with a clinical focus in mind.
Pilates is based on eight principles:
Relaxation, Alignment, Control, Precision, Routine, Breathing, Centering, and Flowing Movement.
LF Pilates works on all of these principles to provide a safe and effective class to suit any age and all ability levels.
What Does Pilates Involve?
Pilates involves low impact stretching, stability and conditioning exercises, which focus on building the body’s core strength (back, abdominal and pelvic floor muscles), creating muscle balance, improving posture, balance, flexibility, body alignment and stability in the joints. Pilates uses precise and controlled movements and helps to develop an awareness of how your body works, allowing your body and mind to work in harmony.
Pilates can provide relief from back pain by improving posture and strengthening weak muscles, it also helps to relieve tension and stress from the mind and the body.
Pilates can also help with most injuries over time helping the body to work more efficiently and therefore reducing the likelihood of injuries re-occurring.
Overall Pilates looks for optimal physical and mental well-being.
10 reasons to try Pilates today
- Improved Posture
- Relief from back pain
- A good night's sleep
- Improved balance and co-ordination
- Relax and beat stress
- Increased strength and stamina
- Help aid recovery after injury
- Help to prevent Osteoporosis
- Help to prevent incontinence
- Less pain and lots of gain