The Benefits of Pilates
Pilates is unique as it is suitable for many different populations (e.g. young, older adults, athletes, pre and post-natal women etc). The benefits obtained from participating in regular Pilates sessions are endless. Some of the benefits include:
General Fitness
- Develops awareness and strength of the core muscles (i.e. deep abdominals, deep spinal muscles and pelvic floor muscles)
- Builds strength in the abdominals
- Improves mobility and flexibility of the spine
- Elongates and strengthens the muscles compared to traditional resistance training which creates short, bulky muscles
- Increases overall flexibility and range of movement of the joints
- Encourages healthy joints through improved mobility and support from the surrounding muscles and ligaments
- Increases stability for the pelvis and shoulders
- Improves posture
- Creates balance between the strength and flexibility of the muscles therefore decreasing the risk of injury
- Relieves back pain
- Corrects muscular imbalances in the body
- Is complementary training for athletes
Health Conditions
- Promotes injury prevention and physical rehabilitation
- Improves balance and coordination
- Is a safe and effective form of exercise for ante and post-natal women
- Helps to alleviate aches and pains
- Helps maintain and can improve bone density
- Develops the function and efficiency of the lungs with improvement in circulation
- Offers a safe and beneficial form of exercise for a wide range of medical conditions, including Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, and Multiple Sclerosis.
General Wellbeing
- Makes you look and feel better, increasing self confidence
- Relieves daily stress and tension, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed
- Develops mind-body awareness
- Improved quality of life
- Brings the mind back into the body
"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong then you are young." Joseph Pilates