PILATES RESOURCES

Pilates is a form of exercise that has been around since the early 20th century, based on the work of Joseph Pilates. This form of exercise focuses on improving strength and flexibility, both of which are important components of a healthy body. Some people do pilates as part of their fitness routine, while others use it to rehabilitate their bodies after injuries or surgery. The idea behind this method of movement is to improve your posture and to create muscle balance in your body through core strengthening, flexibility training, and breathing techniques.

BUILDS STRENGTH
Pilates offers a wide variety of moves that target different muscles and build strength in a safe way. Rather than focusing on lifting heavy weights, most Pilates routines rely on controlled, precise movement patterns. An added benefit of strengthening your muscles this way is that it is low-impact. Pilates targets the smaller muscles around the joints to help stabilise and strengthen with the stress of high impact movements.

STABILITY
Pilates improves core stability and encourages more even development between left and right sides of the body. For example, as one shoulder is depressed (pulled down), there should be an opposite shoulder elevation; if a pelvic tilt is performed on one side, there should be an opposing tilt on the other side to keep balance. Pilates movements may seem strange at first, but with time and practice, these stabilising exercises will help even out strength imbalances that could lead to pain and injury.

IMPROVES POSTURE

As we get older, our posture tends to worsen. Whether that’s caused by decades of sitting at a desk or overworking certain muscles in our neck and back, sitting and standing incorrectly places extra strain on joints, bones and ligaments. It also takes a toll on our bodies. Slouching for long periods of time increases pressure on intervertebral discs (the cushions between each vertebra in your spine) causing them to lose fluid and press against nerves. Pilates incorporates exercises to strengthen the mid back and increase mobility in the spine to help realign and enhance posture.

IMPROVES JOINT HEALTH
Pilates is a series of movements focused on improving alignment, balance, and strength. In fact, many of Pilates’ core principles are geared toward enhancing joint health. Exercise is one of your best bets for living a pain-free life. The more you move, the more synovial fluid (the gooey stuff that cushions joints) you create; too little synovial fluid leads to stiff joints. Pilates is low-impact, causing no stress on the joints.

INCREASES MOBILITY AND FLEXIBILITY

Whether you’re trying to relieve muscle tension, decrease stress or prevent injury, flexibility is key. By improving how flexible your joints are and how easily you can stretch, you also allow for greater strength. As an added bonus, stretching regularly helps with proper alignment of muscles and joints which can lead to better posture over time.

Joseph Pilates used to say “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 you'll have a whole new body.”

The key to reaping the benefits of pilates is consistency and commitment. You can do as many pilates sessions a week as you wish, however, we recommend you stick to at least 3 classes a week for a period of 6 months or more.

You can do pilates every day if you wish, just make sure to give your body one or two days of rest.

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There are several key differences between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates although both practices follow the same Pilates principles. While both methods provide powerful, focused workouts that challenge your body and strengthen your core, they do have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to physical exercises, equipment, cost and accessibility.

Both Mat and Reformer Pilates are part of the Classical Pilates System, invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates. Reformer Pilates is practised on a bed-like frame and carriage system. The carriage is connected to springs which creates a push and pull for multiple exercises. Reformer Pilates can be a dynamic style workout or designed specifically for rehabilitation. Reformer Pilates is usually more expensive and less accessible due to the equipment required. Some people find Reformer Pilates intimidating due to the bulky equipment.

Mat Pilates uses your own body weight for resistance whereas the Reformer uses the footbar, springs, or straps to push or pull against. The Mat work is the true foundation of Pilates. The Mat repertoire started with 34 exercises although now has evolved into many varying combinations as it has grown more popular. It’s a challenging discipline in its own right. All of the skills that Pilates is known for developing can be acquired and refined by doing the Mat work. Mat Pilates is the most accessible out of the two. With no equipment required and minimal space, it makes it easy to do almost anywhere. Mat Pilates can be easily modified to suit any fitness level or ability. It is versatile and unintimidating.

Some people say that Reformer Pilates is more intense than Mat Pilates – we are here to prove them wrong!

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If you’re experiencing chronic back pain, it may seem as though there’s nothing you can do about it besides take some painkillers and wait for the discomfort to go away. Fortunately, however, there are plenty of ways to ease your back pain without any invasive procedures or dangerous medications that might damage your liver or kidneys. One great option that can help you find relief from your constant aches and pains is pilates. Pilates strengthens your core and back muscles and also boosts flexibility in these areas, all of which can help relieve back pain

CORRECT ALIGNMENT
To prevent back pain, you should always practice proper alignment while doing your daily activities. Pilates can help because it focuses on strengthening and stretching your muscles without straining them. As such, you don’t need to force your body into a position that isn’t right for it; instead, as long as you maintain a safe range of motion, Pilates will keep you in ideal alignment all day long.

REDUCE PAIN
One of the greatest benefits of pilates is that it can help you build endurance and flexibility in your muscles, even after a session. This not only strengthens your body overall, but also helps you keep pain under control—especially for chronic issues. If you’re already dealing with back pain, pilates is a great addition to any treatment plan. However, if your back aches are severe or persistent and haven’t been diagnosed by a medical professional yet, we recommend seeing one before beginning any exercise routine .

STRENGTHEN CORE MUSCLES
The majority of back pain is caused by weak core muscles, which can be remedied with a few sessions of pilates. Improving core strength helps maintain healthy posture and fight against hunching or slouching. Pilates also improves balance, making it easier to carry out day-to-day tasks that can aggravate lower back pain, such as carrying groceries or lifting heavy objects.

IMPROVE POSTURE
Doing online pilates classes can help you improve your posture, which will result in less pain. If you’re practicing Pilates correctly, your core muscles are strengthened to support good posture. Good posture helps prevent back pain and spine injuries by putting less pressure on discs and vertebrae, since they won’t have to work as hard as they do now. Having correct posture also keeps your breathing passages clear, so your lungs can take in more oxygen; it encourages joints to remain at their healthiest range of motion for longer; and many more wonderful benefits!

INCREASE FLEXIBILITY
Pilates focuses on flexibility, meaning your back will be much more mobile. Incorporating regular stretching into your routine can also prevent back pain—Pilates involves lots of stretching and bending as well. Stretching improves blood flow to all parts of your body and increases oxygenation to your muscles, which helps you feel more energised.

We don't offer an easy fix.

The average number of classes is about twice a week, but do not feel limited by that.

Some people can build strength and flexibility more quickly than others—and some simply benefit from an increased frequency of sessions. Find out what works best for your body and schedule, and stick with it!

Remember, consistency is your BFF and repetition is your lover.

PILATES RESOURCES

Turn Pilates Into a Lifestyle

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