What makes Pilates different?
Pilates is body-conditioning method that works in a different way to other fitness techniques. Targeting the deep postural muscle, it work by building strength from the inside out, rebalancing the body and bringing it into correct alignment. It helps to reshape your body which will become longer, leaner and more toned. It will also improve your posture, achieving the perfect balance between strength and flexibility , and is a great way to relieve unwanted stress and tension. Ideal for athletes looking to enhance their performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is equally suitable for first time exercisers. Its low, controlled approach mean that it give longer-term results - and it i especially recommended by medical specialists for those with back problems.
Pilates offers both mental and physical training, literally teaching you to be in control of your body. By improving body awareness and focus, tension is released from the body and correct postural alignment is taught.
One is encouraged to breathe more efficiently by breathing laterally into the lower ribcage. The creation of a 'girdle of strength' is one of the primary aims of the Method and is achieved by strengthening the core postural muscles that stabilise the torso. By correcting balances, sound muscle recruitment patterns are encouraged and the body is realigned. Precise, controlled, flowing movements mean that the muscle and ligament damage, sometimes associated with other fitness regimes, is avoided.
Every exercise is built around its eight key principles: Relaxation; Breathing; Concentration; Flowing Movements; Alignment; Co-ordination; Centring; Stamina