What Is Pilates ?
Pilates is a body conditioning exercise method, developed in Germany by Joseph Pilates. The sessions involve using the mind and breathing to control the deep muscles of the torso, and encourage alignment of the spine. A series of low impact stretching and conditioning exercises are designed for the whole body through a range of mat based exercises.
The intention is to re-balance muscles in order to improve the body’s core strength leading to improved posture without adding bulk. Pilates is a method of conditioning, which targets the deep postural muscles, building strength and helping to re-balance the spine and bring it into a better alignment.
Pilates is an appropriate exercise for everyone, regardless of age or level of fitness. Our Pilates class will help you to strengthen your back and tighten your tummy, giving you a feeling of well-being It is an ideal exercise for rehabilitation following injury.
Although Pilates is used extensively by professional dancers and athletes aiming to enhance their physical performance it is also an appropriate activity for first time exercisers. It’s gentle, controlled movements are unlikely to aggravate existing conditions. It is for this reason that the Osteopaths at the Guildhall Practice regularly recommend patients to use Pilates as a form of rehabilitation.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
At the Guildhall Practice, we have found Pilates very helpful with the rehabilitation of patients with back and neck pain. We find that it can lead to improved posture.
We have a number of athletes who use Pilates as a conditioning exercise, which supports their training for their chosen sport. Pilates is efficient in encouraging symmetry and coordination.
Given that it is a low-impact exercise and slowly progressive, it is ideal for people who are returning to exercise.
We believe passionately that Pilates can only be effectively taught in small groups. Technique is important and therefore the instructor needs to closely monitor everybody in the class.
At the Guildhall Practice, we ensure that there are a maximum of five people in each of our Pilates classes. This enables the teacher to give close supervision and support to ensure good technique.
We run a number of classes at our practices in Kings Heath which include lunch time classes, evening classes and weekend classes available.