Pilates in recent years has become very popular and I think for some very good reasons. The problem comes when people try Pilates without really knowing what it is or what it can do for them. They start a class and are disappointed when it does not meet their expectations!
Pilates differs from many traditional exercise programmes as it focuses both on strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight areas (often in the same exercise). Its focus is on good posture and form and is often quoted as ‘intelligent exercise’.
This document will address these issues and tell you simply what Pilates is, what it can do for you and more importantly what it isn’t and what it can’t do.
People who practice Pilates regularly are also more “Chilled out” and relaxed to quote Joseph Pilates “It is the mind which builds the body” and Pilates addresses both the mind and the body together as one unit not separated as in many other types of exercise.
Physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and doctors often recommend Pilates for their clients’ rehabilitation. This endorsement simply indicates that . . . .Pilates works!
Pilates has been shown to improve sport performance. Because with most sports a stable and strong core is essential to be able to move and turn quickly.
There is no point in being powerfully built if your body has become rigid and restricted in its range of movement. More and more sports coaches now employ structural fitness exercises based on Pilates principles to help athletes become better at their chosen sport.
Bob Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)
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