Pilates

What is Pilates (Pe-la-tees)?
The Pilates method of exercise and rehabilitation, developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s, is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises. Pilates emphasises the recruitment of the deeper postural muscles surrounding the spinal column, combined with breathing control and movement coordination.

The Pilates method was predominantly used for the rehabilitation of dancers. Over the past decade, Physiotherapists have combined traditional Pilates with current concepts in physiotherapy research on trunk stabilization and motor learning to treat a variety of injuries in the broader community.

Would Pilates help me?
Through Pilates you will get to know how your body works and moves and, at the same time, get a good work-out. There are no age limits and the exercises can be progressed or regressed to any level of fitness or stage of injury.

Pilates also encourages relaxation through breathing control and postural awareness. Joseph Pilates famously stated “we should work as little as possible, but as much as necessary”, emphasising the importance of efficient movement patterns.

During a Pilates session you will learn to:

• Use the deeper muscles surrounding your spine and pelvis, helping to keep your joints in an optimised position, thereby minimising the risk of injury
• Improve postural control in different positions
• Become more aware of your breathing and develop a controlled breathing pattern to aid the recruitment of deeper muscles and encourage relaxation
• Improve balance and coordination
• Increase general flexibility
• Learn mat exercises that can easily be performed at home.

Pilates exercises can be done on a mat or by using specialised Pilates equipment, such as The Reformer or the Trapeze Table. We also use other exercise equipment, such as the gym-ball, smaller dumbbells or exercise bands, which are incorporated into the Pilates-based approach.

Sessions can be done individually or in a class.

Generally it is advisable to have an assessment with one of our Physiotherapists, and some individual sessions, prior to starting a class. You can have an individual programme designed and supervised by the Physiotherapist until you are confident with the programme. You can then book our Pilates studio and exercise independently, with regular reviews and updating of your programme by one of our instructors.