WHAT IS PILATES AND WHY do I LOVE IT?
What is Pilates?
'What actually is pilates?’ a friend asked me as we were sat having a long overdue catch up. I stumbled and realised that I couldn’t find the words to explain it. Here was an exercise that I do on a regular basis, recommend to patients, friends and family alike and that truly makes me feel great, yet I couldn’t even tell her what it was! I found myself rapidly googling on my phone for a ‘definition’.
Wikipedia describe it as a ‘physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, after whom it was named. Pilates called his method ‘Contrology’. Right, there we go. All fully understood now? No!
The NHS website explains “Pilates aims to strengthen the body in an even way, with particular emphasis on core strength to improve general fitness and well being’. Again, this isn’t particularly helpful definition for someone who has never undertaken a session.
My favourite way to describe Pilates is as a method of exercise that consists of low-impact, muscular strength and endurance movements which help to develop a good postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance. It holds a number of key principles including breathing, concentration, control, precision and flow.
Why I love PILATES…
Growing up I loved exercise which had a strong focus upon making great body ‘shapes’. I was a keen gymnast, dancer and even synchronised swimmer! I loved the feeling that it gave me to challenge my body to be strong to the ends of its available ranges - and that is exactly what Pilates does. It teaches you to move with control and accuracy, paying close attention to the position of your body and correcting muscle imbalances and tension. As you develop through your Pilates journey you will develop strength and flexibility within your body, enabling you to move with ease and efficiency.
Pilates is also a great way to clear your mind. In this day and age we have thousands of thoughts filling our minds- work, home, the family and Pilates gives me something that other forms of exercise don’t. Time to switch off from the outside world and an inability to let my mind wander. If I go for a run or play tennis I find my thoughts drifting off into the land of ‘what ifs…’ and ‘arghh I needed to ..’. When undertaking a Pilates session, continued concentration is required to follow the exercises, maintain your correct body positioning, breathe and then relax everything else - there really is no time to think about anything else.
Is it suitable for me?
Pilates is suitable for everyone. I have taught Pilates to those recovering post-spinal surgery through to professional athletes. Teenagers through to 90 year olds. Everyone can benefit and most people love it!
Here however, I would like to add a small disclaimer. Whilst I believe everyone should integrate Pilates into their lifestyle, sometimes modifications should be made to ensure that the exercises are being performed in a safe manner. I am proud to be a certified APPI Matwork Instructor. The APPI are now recognised as the industry leader in safe and effective Pilates exercises and teach modifications of the original Pilates exercises to ensure that they can be taught to all. This doesn’t mean that the exercises are too easy however and the higher level exercises are very similar, if not exactly the same as the classical repetoir – so I don’t have to let you off lightly if you attend a class or 1:1 sessions with me!
How can I attend Pilates sessions with Parham Physiotherapy?
In line with current guidelines we are permitted to continue teaching Physiotherapy lead Pilates classes if there is a clinical need. However, in light of the current COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure the safety of everyone we have chosen to cease classes for the time being.
We are however continuing to teach Pilates on a 1:1 basis, where there is clinical need.
If you would like to see our Pilates teaching in action please feel free to view our online videos. If you would like to discuss booking a session, even if it is for future information, please don’t hesitate to e-mail us. We would love to hear from you.