WHAT IS PILATES?

Pilates is a non-aerobic method of exercising by lengthening and strengthening all the major muscle groups in a balanced way. The client is taught how to do the exercises; the exercises change as the body alters shape, meets new needs and acquires new skills. Most important is the emphasis on posture correction and balance.

The Pilates system is designed to work the weaker postural muscle groups. As we go through life we settle into patterns of movements, the used muscles gradually get stronger while the unused ones get weaker. This pulls the skeleton out of kilter leading to an inefficient posture that takes much more energy to achieve a given movement. A major aspect of the technique is the breath. Patrons are taught to breathe rhythmically, harmoniously and easily using their lungs to their full depth.

Pilates work is very safe as it is supervised throughout. On many occasions the physiotherapist may determine where the work needs to be done after injury and the Pilates teacher will adapt to that specific requirement. Where a client is carrying an injury, the injured area may be supported at first while she/he works around it, ensuring that the whole area does not become weakened, gradually building up the weakened part until it is ready to start working again.