Benefits of Practising Pilates

There are many different views about what Pilates is.  Some people just assume it is like yoga, to others it is just another fitness class listed at the gym, and many believe it is for recovery after injury in a similar way as you would go to physiotherapy. And in a way all these opinions are correct.

Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates, who as a child suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever.  He spent his life working out how to improve his own health and body condition which led to the exercises we now practice in Pilates. You can read more about Joseph and the History of Pilates on my website. 

Pilates is suitable for all adults and helps us improve their core stability, strength, and balance. The benefits we can gain from practicing Pilates are many but include:

• Greater core strength
  Not only does a strong core help us gain a flatter tummy, but it reduces tension and stress on your back muscles, hips, and knees. Moving from sitting to standing is much easier with a strong core.
  
  
• Increased muscle tone
  Better muscle tone is great if you are body conscious and want to look great.  But it is practical too.  You need strong, toned muscles to protect your joints and bones especially as you get older.
  
  
• Better mind and body connection
  Pilates teaches you how to breathe the Pilates way which helps you relax your muscles and joints. It helps us physically and mentally balance the body and mind leading to good health and well-being.
  
  
• Improved Alignment
  Once you have a strong core and muscles, you will find your body alignment and posture improve.  Once your alignment improves, you are less likely to injure yourself and you will look taller, leaner, and healthier. 
  
  
• Stress Relief
  When you concentrate on your Pilates practice and breathe correctly, during the practice you find you start to relax which in turn reduces stress on your mind and body.
  
  
• Reduction in Pain & Muscle Tension
  Tense muscles and bad posture can lead to injury and pain. Nobody likes having neck or back pain.  The more pain you have, the more you tense so it becomes a vicious circle. Practicing Pilates regularly, reduces this pain and may even alleviate it altogether.

There are free Pilates lessons online, however, you will have no one to tell you if you are doing the breathing or exercise correctly.  And as with all sports and exercises, if you do them incorrectly, you may cause further damage. 

You may find a great Pilates class in your local gym or you could join one of Jane Hamilton's online Pilates classes. Jane is a fully qualified Pilates instructor who only teaches small group classes so that she can provide individual feedback and encouragement.