About Pilates

There is much information about Joseph Pilates available on the internet if you are interested in how he developed his technique, and how it has been modified to suit the needs of ordinary people. There are many brand names and trainers of Pilates, but they all adhere to a common goal: using the deep postural muscles (transversus abdominis and pelvic floor) to activate the natural ‘belt’ or ‘core’ of strength around the lumbar spine. Postural imbalances can occur for many reasons. Pilates seeks to take things back to basics - recruiting the right muscles for the right job.

Many people suffer from non-specific low back pain. This can sometimes prevent them from going to work, and from carrying out normal, everyday tasks. Actions such as getting out of bed, or a car, can be difficult.  Picking up objects from the floor or from across a table can be painful. Pilates can help.

Pilates helps to increase both strength and stamina through the development of the deep postural, or core muscles. By challenging these muscles with a programme of gradual and appropriate Pilates movements, the spine becomes stronger and more flexible. Working in correct posture – a ‘neutral’ spine, whilst gently engaging the core muscles helps to realign the body and get the right muscles working to do the job nature intended them to.

Pilates builds from a set of basic exercises through to more complex and demanding moves. It makes you gradually more aware of your body and its capabilities. A good practitioner will always guide clients towards the move that suits them best – it is always possible to move back a step if needed, as well as move forward when appropriate. Clients work at their own pace.

Pilates is gentle yet demanding of its devotees. The 8 principles invoked by Joseph Pilates are as follows :

• Centring (using the core muscles and engaging 30%) with the spine in neutral
• Breathing – laterally into the back and sides of the ribcage and breathing out on the greatest effort
• Control – working against gravity slowly to gain strength
• Precision – placing the body correctly each time before beginning an exercise and then gradually working to make the execution exact
• Flowing Movement – working smoothly and consistently
• Isolation – focusing on particular areas at one time to reduce weaknesses and build strength
• Routine – repetition and familiarity with basic exercises enables more advanced moves to be attempted in time
• Concentration – this is the thinking person’s technique! Concentration is vital whilst executing Pilates. It is mind and body working together to achieve the most beneficial results

Don’t panic at such a long list though! Gradual familiarity with the technique will see you embracing some if not all of the above – I think it’s probably impossible to do all these principles simultaneously – but being aware of what you are working towards is helpful.

Pilates is proving beneficial to people suffering from a range of health problems. People with arthritis, osteoporosis and stress incontinence are feeling the benefits of increased range of movement, muscle control and spine strength. You don’t have to wait to have one of these problems to attend a class though! Taking care of yourself is important throughout life, and many people enjoy Pilates because they find it satisfying and relaxing.

My aim is to send clients home feeling energised and relaxed, ready the face the rigours of daily life. 

The best way to experience Pilates is to sample a class with a well-qualified teacher. It takes about 6 sessions to have some basic understanding and control. Come and try it – doing is believing!