CLINICAL PILATES
WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates (or the Pilates method) is a series of about 500 exercises inspired by calisthenics, yoga and ballet. Pilates lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups in the body in a balanced fashion. It improves flexibility, strength, balance and body awareness.
In the 1920s, physical trainer Joseph Pilates introduced Pilates into America as a way to help injured athletes and dancers safely return to exercise and maintain their fitness. Since then, Pilates has been adapted to suit people in the general community.
Pilates can be an aerobic and non-aerobic form of exercise. It requires concentration and focus, because you move your body through precise ranges of motion. Pilates lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups in your body in a balanced fashion. It requires concentration in finding a centre point to control your body through movement. Each exercise has a prescribed placement, rhythm and breathing pattern.
In Pilates, your muscles are never worked to exhaustion, so there is no sweating or straining, just intense concentration. The workout consists of a variety of exercise sequences that are performed in low repetitions, usually five to ten times, over a session of 45 to 90 minutes. Mat work and specialised equipment for resistance are used.
The Pilates method is taught to suit each person and exercises are regularly re-evaluated to ensure they are appropriate for that person. Due to the individual attention, this method can suit everybody from elite athletes to people with limited mobility, pregnant women and people with low fitness levels.
HEALTH BENEFITS
The health benefits of Pilates include:
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improved flexibility
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increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
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balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body
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enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs
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improved stabilisation of your spine
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improved posture
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rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
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improved physical coordination and balance
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relaxation of your shoulders, neck and upper back
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safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
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prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
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increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing
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improved concentration
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increased body awareness
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stress management and relaxation.
IS PILATES SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE?
Pilates caters for everyone, from beginner to advanced. You can perform exercises using your own body weight, or with the help of various pieces of equipment.
A typical Pilates workout includes a number of exercises and stretches. Each exercise is performed with attention to proper breathing techniques and abdominal muscle control. To gain the maximum benefit, you should do Pilates at least two or three times per week. You may notice postural improvements after 10 to 20 sessions.
Always consult your doctor before embarking on any new fitness program, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or have not exercised in a long time.
The Thrive Health Centre features a specialised Pilates studio with an extensive range of machine and mat based Pilates equipment. Both Pilates and individual specific exercise classes are provided using this equipment. Pilates is offered both in 1:1 and group formats.
