WHAT IS PILATES?

Pilates is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of exercise today. It is a complete body workout for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is low impact, with no sudden jarring movements to injure your joints. Pilates is a systematic group of exercises based on the work of Joseph H. Pilates, born 1880 in Germany. Joe borrowed principles of yoga, calisthenics, gymnastics and dance to create a program to allow students to focus on proper body alignment, body awareness, breathing and working in all planes of motion. This method of exercise emphasizes overall body strength, lengthening muscles rather than creating bulk. Flexibility of the muscles and mobility of the joints also play an important part. Using breathing techniques, concentration, and controlled movements, the mat method strengthens what Joseph Pilates called the core or powerhouse - the muscles around the waist, back, and buttocks. Ideally, this results in more flexibility, strength, and a longer, leaner look.

Pilates combines both stretching and strengthening exercises to achieve a balanced and healthy body. It incorporates the deepest abdominal muscles during every exercise to create a strong “core,” or base muscles, to support the rest of the body. The controlled, precise motions of the arms and legs effectively strengthen the core (otherwise known as abdominal, back, and pelvic floor muscles), while toning the entire body. Such work on the deep stabilizing muscles can also improve chronic back problems and help prevent injury.

Aims and objectives of the class.

Pilates works on strength, flexibility and mobility. As well as strengthening the core stabilizing muscles (the inner unit) we lengthen the body and strengthen the muscles (the outer unit) in this lengthened position.
Pilates has a deep mind/body connection. In order to ‘locate' the inner unit, concentration plays an important role. Pilates is not a mindless routine, there are 8 principles to Pilates and we try to apply these principles to each exercise.

Pilates Principles:
Concentration	Precision
Breathing	Isolation
Centring (core strength work)	Routine
Flowing movements	Relaxation/ Stamina.

It also works on Alignment (posture) balance and co-ordination . There is a lot to think about and it may take some time for the penny to drop! Have patience and trust. Believe above all that Pilates works!