So many people ask me “What is Pilates?”
I thought I’d put a few words together which will hopefully help to understand it and also may be give you an incentive to give it a go and see what it’s like first hand.
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on building strength, flexibility, and endurance without adding bulk. It emphasizes controlled movements, breath awareness, and a mind-body connection. Regular practice of Pilates can have a positive impact on your posture and overall wellbeing in several ways:
Body Awareness:
A lot of my clients gain better body awareness after completing my Postural Analysis and Mobility Assessment. The attention to detail in this assessment informs clients of areas that will be worked on during the lessons. It encourages a heightened awareness of body movement and alignment. Pilates Practitioners learn to control and coordinate their movements, leading to better overall body awareness and an ability to maintain good posture in various activities.
Breath Control:
There are 6 principles of Pilates. I believe the most important one is breathing. The control of your breath helps to connect muscles which helps with stability and movement. It also focuses individuals on the exercise enabling them to perform to the best out of their ability. Breathing techniques can support good posture and enhance overall body awareness. It is also excellent for mindfulness.
Improved Posture:
Pilates exercises emphasise spinal alignment and awareness of body positioning. The focus on core strength helps to support the spine, reducing the risk of slouching or adopting poor posture habits.
Balanced Muscle Development:
Pilates targets both large and small muscle groups, promoting balanced development throughout the body. This not only benefits good posture but also improves with general balance and helps to prevent muscle imbalances that can contribute to poor posture and in many cases back pain.
Spinal Mobility:
A lot of my clients come to me with lower back pain or discomfort. I encourage them to move using Pilates exercises. After a couple of sessions many of my clients can not believe the impact Pilates has on flexibility and mobility in the spine. A more mobile spine can contribute to better posture and reduce the risk of stiffness or discomfort.
Increased Flexibility:
Pilates incorporates stretching and lengthening exercises, promoting flexibility in the muscles and joints. Improved flexibility can contribute to better posture by allowing for a greater range of motion and reducing stiffness.
Functional Movement Patterns:
I often say that Pilates exercises mimic functional movement patterns. Sometimes it’s not always obvious what the functional movement is during an exercise but if you ask your instructor they should be able to relate the exercise to something that you do outside of the studio. An example is footwork on a reformer - the leg press action is the equivalence of sitting to standing which everyone will do without thinking about it.
It's important to note that consistency is key when practicing Pilates to see lasting improvements in posture and strength. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, working with a qualified instructor can help ensure you are performing exercises correctly and effectively, reducing the risk of injury and maximising the benefits.
If this has peaked your interest and you’d like more information about Pilates please visit my website: www.suttonparkpilates.com or send me an email info@suttonparkpilates,com I’d love you to come and give it a go and love Pilates and its benefits as much as I do.
Comments