What is Pilates?

Pilates is a type of exercise that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and posture: 

Pilates involves a series of slow, controlled movements that use your core and proper breathing. The quality of each posture is more important than the number of repetitions. Pilates is similar to yoga in that both disciplines develop strength, flexibility, and fitness. However, Pilates emphasizes core strength, while yoga emphasizes flexibility.

What are the core Pilates Principles?

The six main principles of Pilates are:

  • Breathing: Joseph Pilates said, "Breathing is the first act of life and the last. Our very life depends on it". Breathing helps with oxygen, blood flow, and movement space. 

  • Concentration: Focus on what your body is doing and feeling. 

  • Control: Focus on doing one precise movement instead of many halfhearted ones. 

  • Precision: Focus on the subtle details and movements of each exercise. 

  • Centering: Focus on the body's center of gravity, which is the point where the body would be balanced in all directions. 

  • Flow: Integrate the principles to master the moves with grace and fluidity.

What are the benefits of Pilates?

Pilates can help with: 

  • Enhancing sports performance

  • Full body toning and strengthening

  • Improving posture 

  • Improving balance 

  • Reducing stress 

  • Increasing cardiovascular fitness

  • Improving mood 

  • Relieving low back pain 

  • Improving mobility

  • Decreasing the risk of falling

  • Increasing bone density

  • Improving mind body connection

  • Managing menopause symptoms

  • Pain management/relief

    In fact you could say theres nothing we face in modern life that Pilates won’t help with!!

Who it's suitable for?

Pilates is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, from top athletes like David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo who have incorporated Pilates into their training for years to improve core strength and flexibilty, Andy Murray who started Pilates after his back surgery in 2013 and six time World Champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore to people who are seeking to improve their general fitness levels, decrease pain, increase mobility and strengthen their joints including those with health conditions like arthritis or diabetes, lipedema, fibromyalgia and other ongoing issues.

How it's done

Pilates can be done on a mat or with special equipment, such as a reformer. Classes typically last 45 minutes to an hour. The use of resistance bands, Pilates balls and other small equipment adds to the repertoire of exercises available.

Can’t get down onto a mat? Not a problem, Pilates can also be done in a chair.