What is pilates?
Developed by Joseph Pilates (1880 – 1967), the pilates method of exercise was and is influenced by many varied disciplines from yoga to tai chi to gymnastics, boxing and dancing.
It is a holistic system of exercise connecting mind and body to develop a strong awareness of alignment, breath and movement.
Through practice of controlled and precise movement sequences the body is trained to move with correct muscle activation and co-ordination.
Diaphragmatic breathing is used to enhance the efficacy of the movements and the ability to move with relaxed control.
Who is pilates for?
It’s for everyone…in particular:
- Anyone who wants to improve their total fitness, posture and/or appearance
- Anyone suffering from back or neck problems (as long as you have medical clearance)
- Professional sports-persons using advanced conditioning programmes to enhance performance (tennis, rugby, football, equestrian, etc.)
- Athletes
- Chronic back pain sufferers
- Repetitive strain injury sufferers
- First-time exercisers
- The elderly
- Those wishing to prevent and treat osteoporosis
What are the benefits?
Regular practice leads to improved strength and joint stability whilst giving greater flexibility. Deep muscles which support the spine are strengthened and posture often improves. It’s easy to see why pilates is often recommended for being helpful in relieving chronic back pain.
What should I wear?
It is advised to wear anything in which you can move comfortably. Fitted and stretchy fabrics are best, so that I can see how you are moving. Footwear is not necessary, but please do bring a pair of socks.
How can pilates improve my fitness?
By strengthening your core muscles, pilates will improve your posture, and the quality of your everyday movements. Pilates can improve your strength and flexibility as well as help to avoid back problems and other stress-related symptoms.
Why Body Control Pilates?
I teach the Body Control Pilates Method which breaks down the classic matwork sequence of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates over 80 years ago. Breaking the exercises down, makes them more accessible for clients of all abilities, and enables clients to start moving towards the classic matwork series in a safe way, re-establishing good patterns of movement.
The Body Control Pilates Method has been endorsed by a range of experts, sportspeople, medical specialists and celebrities, see the Body Control website for testimonials.
What are healthy back classes?
If you are looking at back pain prevention, then ‘Healthy Back’ group classes (‘one-to-one’ sessions also available) will give you a gentle, balanced workout with the focus on strengthening the core abdominals that do so much to support your back, improve the quality of your movements and keep your spine flexible and strong.
What is the Back4Good® programme?
One-to-one classes to manage low back pain
I offer an eight week Back4Good® programme of gentle yet effective exercise sessions to relieve non-specific low back pain. These are always taught one-to-one so that each lesson specifically addresses the needs of the individual.
Initial assessment
The programme commences with an assessment upon which the programme of lessons are based. You may be referred to our Back4Good® classes by your medical practitioner, such as your GP or physiotherapist. I will liaise with your GP to facilitate your referral and to plan the best programme for you.
Subsequent sessions
During your sessions I will teach you the ‘Pilates ABCs’ – Alignment, Breathing and Centring (core stability). You will then be taught a series of exercises designed to help you control your movements and improve your posture, increasing both the strength and flexibility of your back.
The exercises are slow and controlled pilates based movements which develop the muscles that support the spine and improve flexibility of the spine.
Get Active!
Homework is given and additional physical activity is encouraged when away from Back4Good® classes. Keeping active and learning to self-manage your back are central to the programme.
