What is pilates?

​Pilates is a specific physical exercise regime that anatomist Joseph Pilates developed in the early 20th century. Joseph Pilates developed 34 exercises and, this classical method focused on centring, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow. 

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​Will It Help With Old Injuries? 

​We are creatures of habit. We walk a certain way; we mould our bodies to fit our shoes, chairs and desks. So a sprained ankle, sore knee, stiff hip or back go away. However, our muscles can get out of balance through overuse and poor use. Pilates can help to counteract this and restore balance and ease of movement. 

Is Pilates OK For Complete Beginners Or If I Am Older And Have Never Exercised?

​​​​​​​As a complete beginner, Pilates is a great introduction to exercise.  It is a low-impact form of movement that will improve balance and coordination.  It is based on six key principles:

  • Concentration

  • Control

  • Centre

  • Breath 

  • Precision

  • Flow

Fewer and smaller movements mean you are less likely to injure yourself. In addition, the six principles lead to improvements in body awareness, posture, and total body conditioning—a great way to start a new fitness regime.

The World Health Organization defines health as “a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO 2006).

For more information on the effects of Pilates and Yoga participants on engagement in functional movement and individual health level click here

Can Pilates help me relax?

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Pilates is generally slower-paced and focuses on breath which can be meditative and stress relieving. In addition, the concentration required and deep focus on precision of movement can help give your mental health a boost. Depression, trauma and low mood can all be improved by balancing hormones from physical exercise, and breathwork which calm the mind and body.

Can I do pilates pre or post surgery?

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Pre-habilitation and rehabilitation.

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The slower pace and controlled movements used in Pilates, along with precise adaptations for specific injuries, conditions and chronic pain, mean the Pilates method can reduce joint and back pain and improve posture. In addition, a modified Pilates session will prepare the body for surgery and post-surgery having therapeutic and restorative benefits.

A modified or clinical pilates therapist will work alongside your medical team allowing you to exercise in a safe environment with your goals at the forefront of the programme. 

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I believe that a component in restoring function and reducing reoccurrence is changing peoples habits.

Keep moving, improve poor and repetitive movement strategies. Make time for yourself, making regular movement part of your everyday life. 

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Can I do pilates if I have low back pain?

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If you are looking for long term relief for low back pain,  clinical pilates could help you reduce pain and restore function.

Make movement your go to medicine for low back pain.

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Clinical pilates will help you to move without fear of hurting yourself. I would always suggest checking out new pain with your GP and any other practitioners you usually seek help from.  Collaboration is key to make the most of any treatment you receive and to get the right programme to reduce pain and risk of injury and build your strength and confidence. Once you take back control you will feel empowered to try other things that can further enhance your health and well-being

What can I Expect?

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A Pilates-based workout targets your “powerhouse”,  your core (the abdominals, lower back, pelvic floor and diaphragm). One of the Pilates session aims is to keep the movements flowing. It is challenging to keep movements controlled, precise, and flowing simultaneously, maintaining a steady breathing pattern and focusing on how each part of the body feels. As a result, you will often hear the phrase, “If it’s easy, it’s probably not Pilates”.

However, when watching a class, it should look effortless. Age, ability and most injuries and medical conditions need not be barriers. Pilates exercises are easy to learn, and an experienced and appropriately trained instructor will modify each workout to fit each participant.

​Getting started is best done with a 1-2-1 session and then joining a beginner level or Pilates for all group classes. 

Alongside flattening the tummy or trimming the waist, Pilates can improve your posture, reduce tension in the body and reduce chronic pain. So Pilates needs to become part of your everyday life.  Three 1 hour sessions weekly have been shown to improve functional movement. Two 1 hour weekly will improve abdominal endurance and hamstring flexibility. Shoulder blade stabilisation and upper body muscular endurance also improve with good queuing.

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You might be a little bit sore the day after a workout, especially if new to Pilates. The tummy may feel as if you have worked. However, you should not feel pain in your low back. A sore back needs mentioning to your instructor; it could be due to overworking, poor position, or inability to control your movement yet. Trying too hard is very common and is one of the things that can lead to problems around the shoulders.

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Wherever you are in the world, you can join me via Zoom for a Pilates session online. I offer 121 and group classes.