What is Pilates?
The founder of the pilates system was Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) who was a fitness instructor who emigrated to the USA from Germany in 1923. In the early years of the 20th century most exercise regimes worked at building and strengthening muslces by repetivive exercises such as press-ups, push-ups and weightlifting . Joseph Pilates' approach was holistic, based on toning the body and correcting poor posture with progressively more difficult exercises carried out slowly and with concentration, involving mind and body.
Why Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that offers a different way of thinking about your body. It works by continually stretching your limbs and torso, ensuring muscles become longer and leaner rather than shorter and thicker. By targeting core muscles you will build strength from the inside out, rebalancing posture and bringing your body into correct alignment.
Pilates offers a whole-body workout that challenges your body like no other exercise, it is recommended for people with back problems as the exercises strengthen the muscles that support and stabilise the core of your body. Learning about your posture and practicing Pilates exercises will lead to benefits such as:
- Better Posture
- Fewer incidents of back pain
- Greater strength and muscle tone
- Improves flexibility
- Increased joint mobility
- A flatter stomach and toned buttocks.
Who is Pilates for?
Everyone, regardless of your age or fitness levels. Caroline works with mat based Pilates exercises which are taught thoughtfully to a slow, controlled rhythm. Equipment such as exercise balls, resistant bands and foam rollers are also incorporated depending on the client's particlar needs.