Pilates, originally known as Contrology, was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century. He created a series of exercises that built strength without adding bulk, and balanced that strength with flexibility.
Pilates is a low impact form of exercise that is suitable for most people. It can prevent new injuries and help to rehabilitate old ones.
During a Pilates class, you will take each joint through its full range of movement, with particular focus on mobilising and strengthening the spine and the deep postural muscles of the body. You will also work your core. The focus is on form and precision of movement rather than 'going the furthest or the fastest' . This helps to target the correct joints and muscle groups and the concentration it requires promotes relaxation and mindfulness.
There are three fundamental principles to Pilates:
Alignment - promoting correct skeletal alignment throughout the body, particularly the natural curvature of the spine. This releases tension on our joints and helps to pattern correct and functional movement for our everyday lives.
Breathing - the breathing patterns for each exercise promote stability and fluidity of movement. Pilates teaches lateral or thoracic breathing which encourages expansion of the lower ribs. Focusing on our breathing throughout the session aids relaxation.
Centring - also known as core stability and perhaps what Pilates is most famous for. Each exercise demands a level of stability from the abdominals and torso. This promotes controlled movement and builds our core strength - the outer 'abs' , but also the deep intrinsic muscles that we use every day and are so important to our long term fitness.
Hannah’s class goes through the different stages of Pilates exercises…my core is definitely stronger, we even have embarked on the ‘seal’🙂