As my first post I thought I’d tell you a little bit about Pilates.

Pilates is a powerful exercise method that was created by Joseph Pilates during the first half of the 20th Century. From a young age Pilates had an inquiring mind, and he studied a variety of disciplines that develop the mind &body, including yoga, martial arts, Swiss gymnastics and body-building.

Today Pilates is embraced and practiced by tens of millions of people worldwide. Alongside its growth in popularity, the method has branched out into many variations. People can still practice the classic or traditional Pilates exercises, or choose the modern version of the exercises. There is Pilates for rehabilitation, Pilates for strength and conditioning, sports specific Pilates exercises, pre-natal and post-natal Pilates, and Pilates for seniors. It really is the exercise method that supports you throughout life.

What makes Pilates unique?

• Core focus – it is unique in that it focuses on activating your deep core muscle system first. In short, it teaches you how to become strong from the inside out.

• Based on key principles – Concentration, Centering, Control, Breathing, and Precision & Flow. You pull focus inward and learn to combine all these principles in every movement of every exercise of every class. At the end of a class you feel your brain has been exercised as well as your body. You feel energised and move with a heightened awareness and grace.

• Lean but strong muscles – Pilates exercises are designed to build strength but not bulk. A Pilates body is one that is strong but lean.

• Mindful movement – utlilising the key principles above leads to mindful movement. You will find that the more you practice Pilates, the more you become aware of the everyday things like how you hold your posture, where you breathe from, how you lift, where you hold tension. You become an intelligent mover. It is no wonder that Pilates is known as the ‘thinking person’s exercise system.’

• Efficient energy – we all hold tension in our body. Much of it is unconscious and unnecessary. Your Pilates instructor can teach you where you hold unnecessary tension, how to release it, and retrain you to move in a more energy efficient way.

• Versatility – the Pilates method is unsurpassed in its versatility. Regardless of age, gender, or ability, everyone can benefit from the Pilates method. As your abilities grow and needs change, your program evolves with you to keep you challenged and on track with your goals.