Achieve a balanced body with Pilates

Pilates, as an exercise choice has grown exponentially in the last decade or so. Once exclusive to dancers as an integral part of their training, it is now enjoyed by women and men of all ages, shapes and backgrounds. This is not at all surprising when you consider all the reported benefits of Pilates, both physical and psychological. These are quite extensive and include…

* Less incidence of back pain
* Improved stance and posture
* A greater efficiency of movement
* Greater range of movement
* Reduced stress
* Improved tone, strength and flexibility
* Longer, leaner muscles
* A flatter, stronger and more toned stomach
* Greater joint mobility
* Better co-ordination
* Greater body awareness
* Greater focus and concentration
* Improved circulation
* Better digestion
* Enhanced sports performance

People are attracted to Pilates for various reasons. They may want to get fitter, improve their flexibility or posture, have a more toned body and/or achieve a flatter stomach. They may well have been referred to a Pilates teacher to help improve, or control back pain, or to recover from an injury or surgery. Pilates is often recommended by those working in the health and medical professions, and is undoubtedly one of the safest, most effective forms of exercise for rehabilitation. Even football and rugby clubs call in Pilates instructors to help in balancing and complimenting player’s heavy training schedules.

How does Pilates differ from other forms of strengthening exercise?
Whilst weight training or other forms of resistance exercise clearly have many benefits, if it’s long, lean muscles you are after, Pilates seem to be the perfect exercise. Helen Macdonald, an advanced UK Stott Pilates instructor tells us how Pilates can develop longer leaner muscles…

“Pilates exercises use a lighter tension than, say weight training regimes. As such there is no room for “bulking” of the muscles. The type of movements taught lengthens and strengthen the muscles whilst ensuring the body is correctly aligned. This “frees” the muscles to work to their full range of movement. Once a muscle is elongated the mobility of the joints increase and any stress on the joint is reduced. Most Pilates exercises are performed a number of times, in a very slow, and controlled way. The body is properly aligned, breathing is controlled, and the person is able to perform each exercise in a stable, well-aligned and strong position.”

And how does it reduce stress?
“Pilates teaches a very controlled, easy form of breathing, and calls for complete focus on each exercise. One has to focus on position and efficiency of each movement. There is no room to think about things that might be stressing you out! If you are running or cycling for example, your mind can easily wander back to daily chores and events. The breathing in itself helps to lower stress levels too. ”

If you’re considering taking up classes, and finances allow, Helen strongly recommends have 1-2 private sessions with a well-qualified instructor, so you can get a good understanding of the basic, core exercises and positions, and breathing. Equally beneficial is completing a beginner course, where you can learn alongside other beginners, in small groups.

For more information about Pilates, take note of the following resources…

Stott Pilates UK – www.stott-pilates.co.uk
To find an instructor in the UK – http://www.activetraining.info/STOTT/FINDER/index1.php

Stott Pilates in Canada – www.stottpilates.com

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