Put your body in balance

May 22 2009 by Yonnie McInnes

PILATES is an exercise method designed to elongate, strengthen, and restore the body to balance.

Based upon an anatomical understanding of the body’s muscular and skeletal systems, the Pilates teacher creates a comprehensive exercise programme for each client.

Classes focus on specific areas individually, whilst using exercises that integrate the whole body to re-educate and restore it to optimum muscular and skeletal function,” say the Joseph Pilates Foundation.

Osteopaths, physiotherapists, and general practitioners recommend Pilates as one of the safest forms of exercise today.

The great news is Pilates can be beneficial for just about everyone, regardless of age and fitness level.

“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If at 60 you are supple and strong then you are young,” said the late Joseph Pilates, originator of this form of exercise.

Pilates can improve your overall general fitness, your posture, improve mobility and flexibility of the spine, deliver muscle tone and flexibility, promote a more efficient and supportive core, increase stability for the pelvis and shoulders, foster the health of joints through improved mobility and support from the surrounding musculature, and complement training for athletes.

It can help with injury prevention and physical rehabilitation and build better balance and co-ordination, particularly for the elderly, and is also a safe form of exercise for ante and post-natal women.

Pilates can also be of benefit to a wide range of medical conditions, including scoliosis, osteoporosis, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.