What is Pilates?
Pilates
Developed by Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1880, Pilates is a 'physical fitness system' designed to stretch and strengthen the whole body. As a child, Joseph Pilates had various health concerns: rickets, asthma, and rheumatic fever. To overcome his personal health issues, he devised his own set of exercises. He did this by drawing upon his own experience as a wartime fitness instructor, his time in the circus, and influences from the world of ballet. His guiding philosophy was that good health can only be achieved through a whole body approach and the adoption of Pilates Principles. ​​​​​​
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One outcome of his work was a series of 34 mat-based exercises. Some of which used specially designed equipment such as the ‘Reformer’ (seen below) or ‘Wunda Chair’. The 34 exercises now form the basis of Mat-based Pilates classes.​​​​​
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​​​​All Pilates exercises may be done at various levels of complexity and can be adapted (by using props such as blocks or towels) to enable individuals to exercise safely and correctly.
​Joseph Pilates' original work can be seen in his book ‘Return to Life Through Contrology.’
Joseph Pilates.
Pilates Principles
Pilates follows core principles with an emphasis on flowing movement with precision and control. ​
The Benefits
​Pilates is an excellent practice for enhancing overall health and well-being. It focuses on core strength, flexibility, and posture, which can lead to improved physical performance and reduced risk of injury.
Pilates is great for improving posture as it focuses on strengthening the core muscles that support the spine. By enhancing flexibility and promoting body awareness, Pilates helps you align your body properly. Incorporating Pilates into your routine can lead to noticeable improvements in posture over time.
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Pilates is also a great way to relieve stress as it emphasises controlled movements and deep breathing This mindful practice helps to release tension in the body, allowing for a greater sense of calm. Additionally, Pilates encourages a strong mind-body connection, which can reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. By focusing on alignment and core strength, practitioners often find themselves feeling more centered and at ease.​
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Pilates is generally considered a safe form of exercise for most common orthopedic conditions, and many of the exercises mirror those prescribed by Physiotherapists.
To attend one of my classes, please see the classes page. Or if you would like a Personal Training session, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Hope to meet you soon.
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​ Fiona
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