WHAT IS PILATES?
In addition, Pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body’s “core” or “powerhouse” (torso) without adding muscle bulk. People who do Pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury, and experience better overall health.
This is achieved through strengthening deep core muscles, primarily abdominal, spinal muscles and those which surround each joint, allowing your limbs to move with fluidity and control.
Exercises are performed gently, with attention to breath and precision. Tension is released, relaxation enhanced, muscles are lengthened
For decades, it’s been the exercise of choice for dancers and gymnasts (and now footballers and elite athletes), but it was originally used to rehabilitate bedridden or immobile patients during World War I.
Pilates can be unique to every client’s body type and posture allowing you to gain the benefits you need for your body.
At Elysium Studio Pilates located in the Weston Arcade, Canberra, I have a unique programming system that will be tailored to your posture type and physical ability. As your body changes and your strength and flexibility improve your programme will be adjusted accordingly.
THE BENEFITS…
Look & Feel Great
Because of its comprehensive nature, focus on balanced training, and attention to detail, Pilates is a highly effective modality to train the body to function at its best to achieve:
- Improved posture
- Enhanced functional movement
- Strength and flexibility
- Increased body awareness
- Improved balance, coordination and circulation
- Improved performance in sport
Safe yet Effective
Pilates is fun, engaging, challenging, and evolves with you. Pilates will help you whether you’re 18 or 80, beginning a new fitness regimen, or are already extremely active. The benefits of Pilates are for in all stages of life, including professionals who sit behind a desk everyday, athletes looking to boost performance, rehab patients, and women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth.
Pilates is a weight-bearing exercise performed on a mat or specially designed spring-loaded equipment, which helps to improve bone health and maintain bone density. The movements safely deliver optimal strength, flexibility and endurance, without strain. Unlike many sports and fitness pursuits, Pilates is low-impact: You won’t over wear your knees and joints, allowing you more mobility through your entire life.
Unlike traditional forms of physical therapy, Pilates trains the body to move as a whole, creating overall strength and stability, rather than only focusing on the injured part. Exercises can be modified for each person to gently and effectively re-train the body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion.
Supports your Lifestyle
In our everyday life, where we spend much of the day sitting at a desk or driving, Pilates aids in developing proper posture and strengthens the stabilizing muscles that help you sit, stand, and walk correctly. Pilates helps prevent and relieve back and joint pain, as it opens the chest and elongates muscles that have been tightened from sitting forward.
Pilates is an exceptionally distinct form of exercise because it emphasizes the mind-body connection and incorporates breath work. Practicing Pilates aids in training the mind to better understand the deep framework of the body, recognizing body imbalances, and how to correct them. Pilates also helps focus the mind while relieving stress and tension in the body.
The benefits of Pilates include an excellent cross-training modality for sports such as golf, cycling, skiing, and running. Pilates can help athletes by strengthening smaller, supporting muscles while enhancing overall strength, endurance, and flexibility. You’ll find that Pilates is extremely popular among top professional and Olympic athletes.
Pilates exercises optimal biomechanics and enhances body control, allowing for more precise yet powerful movements. Pilates eventually teaches you to move more efficiently both in athletic pursuits and all aspects of life.
Pilates training offsets the stress of repetitive motions performed in many sports, helping lessen wear on the body and prevent injuries.
Women who are pre-natal can greatly benefit from Pilates as it specifically strengthens the core and pelvis to support a growing baby, relieves back pain, prevents incontinence, and even helps with a smoother delivery.
Pilates is also effective and safe for women who have recently given birth, helping the body regain its alignment and pelvic stability, regaining a flatter, firmer belly.