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What is Pilates?
Created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's, the Pilates exercise method helps exponents achieve optimum balance between mind and body.

In its 80 years, largely through his pioneering work, the system has become a favoured method of integrated exercise, particularly among elite athletes and performers, and those recovering from injury. Joseph’s astute observations of body movement quickly detected that, compared to animals, humans make less than optimum use of their physical capacity.

Pilates is based on a range of more than 500 exercises, often in conjunction with specially designed equipment. It uses the musculo-skeletal make-up of the human body as it’s platform, and blends breathing regulation and mental exercise into a program designed to deliver holistic benefits.

Importantly, the method teaches participants greater awareness of the form and function of their bodies. As a result, the discipline can be applied throughout daily life for boosted strength, stability and mobility. Because it combines a complex series of exercises involving multiple parts of the body, qualified instruction is essential.

The health benefits of Pilates include

• Improved flexibility
• Increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
• Balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body
• Enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs
• Improved stabilisation of your spine
• Improved posture
• Rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
• Improved physical coordination and balance
• Relaxation of your shoulders, neck and upper back
• Safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
• Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
• Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing
• Improved concentration
• Increased body awareness
• Stress management and relaxation.