What is Pilates?
Pilates is a method of body conditioning based on the work of Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). Joseph Pilates called his method The Art of Contrology which refers to the way that the method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles.
It focuses on strengthening the core postural muscles of the body, which stablilise the torso and improve flexibility and strength for the body without building bulk. The method also involves concentration and the coordination of breath and movement, thereby helping to balance body and mind.
The result is a more balanced body with increased strength and flexibility, thereby enabling the body to move more efficiently and effectively.
Pilates is suitable for everyone at any age and Andrew is able to accomodate individual's needs, benefiting everyone at any level of fitness.
Pilates is also becoming more popular with sports professionals in giving them that extra edge. It can also be used for rehabilitation purposes following an injury or for general prevention of injuries.
Other benefits can include:
- A stronger more flexible spine
- Can help to relieve stress and tension
- Rebalancing the muscles in the body, restoring postural alignment
- Correcting muscle recruitment therefore reducing the risk of injury
- Increased joint mobility and strength