“The Pilates method teaches you how to be in control of your body and not at its mercy” Joseph Pilates
Pilates is a method of low-impact exercise that consists of mobility, flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance movements. Pilates emphasizes postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance. The Pilates method evolved from Joseph Pilates Contrology technique, developed in the 1920s. He believed that physical and mental health were interrelated, and the body is working as a “whole”.
Soon the dance community, physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists discovered the benefits of Pilates and adapted the original exercises to their needs and wants. Through this new diversity the method gained popularity among a wide range of people. With the new variety of exercises, it’s possible for everyone to experience movement in many different and safe ways.
Practiced with consistency, Pilates improves mobility, builds strengths, and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It focuses on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. The control and precision emphasized in Pilates improves the efficiency of body movements in general and awakes body awareness. That is not only beneficial for sporty people, but it helps everyone in everyday life. For instance, you step on a rock and start to roll your ankle, or trip over your kid’s toy and start to fall forward. With enough control and precision training, you may be able to self-correct in these moments and alter your movements before you get hurt.
And like every exercise method, Pilates has a lot of mental benefits. Among other things you’ll feel refreshed and energized after a session, ready to conquer the world.
I’m a huge fan of the Pilates method and its benefits and practice it myself since years. Pilates has helped me in so many ways and I wanted to pass that on to others. Therefore, I became an Pilates Instructor with APPI the Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute. I’m offering 1:1 session here at Ammann Bodywork in Stapleford and at PhysioBaB in Cambridge. I’m a certified APPI Pilates Matwork Instructor with additional certification in women's health (ante/post natal, menopause and pelvic floor). And I'm at the moment in training to become a reformer instructor too. 1:1 sessions in Stapleford will be able to book soon. Please reach out for any inquiries.