Pilates is an exercise programme that is not a “new age” phenomenon, but has in fact been around for 75 years. It was developed by a Joseph Pilates who was born in 1880 in Germany. He grew up suffering from many physical ailments (asthma, rheumatic fever and rickets) and through his determination to overcome his health problems he studied and developed an exercise programme that assisted in restoring him to optimal health. Many of the exercise beliefs he researched dated back to the Greeks and Romans and through his programme he gained enough strength to become an accomplished gymnast, diver and skier. He produced a body building programme that incorporated flexibility with core strength, which is often lacking in today’s training programmes. Physiotherapists have always advocated flexibility and core strength and many of the Pilates exercises are based on their teachings Core strength is about initiating a strong “corset”, involving the deep postural muscles throughout all the exercises. This corset then protects your spine throughout everyday activities.

Joseph Pilates observed that when there was a weak or misaligned area in the body, a person tended to overcompensate or overdevelop another area. Therefore it was critical not only to correct the misalignment but also to re-educate the body so that injuries did not repeat themselves. He also believed that true well-being could be achieved through physical fitness and positive mental attitude. Pilates was particularly popular with dancers, gymnasts and athletes, who realised the benefits of this programme of mental and physical conditioning that gave them strength, flexibility and the all important link between mind and body.

Classical Pilates is also an ideal form of relaxation, reducing and releasing stress as you lengthen and tone muscles. Relaxation is the starting point for everyone when practising Pilates. Learning how to recognise and release areas of unwanted tension in the body and mind is very important before beginning any movement.

A specific type of breathing is used throughout the exercise involving the correct use of the respiratory muscles, learning to expand your lungs like bellows and creating a more efficient exchange of oxygen.

Pilates is excellent for postural correction, especially in theses days of sedentary work on computers. The programme works on core muscles, giving a flatter stomach and stronger back. It is also preventative for all those people who have had previous back problems. Pilates lengthens tired necks and releases tense shoulders.

Pilates is one of the few exercise programmes that can be adapted to your needs:  whiplash injuries, arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, pre and post pregnancy, sporting injuries, general fitness.

For details of classes or Pilates Pairs, contact: Julia Jorden, Pilates teacher and Member of the Register of Exercise Professionals.
Julie Ryder, Chartered Physiotherapist
T/phone 01954 200762
Mobile 07999692817