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Acquiring a strong core and optimal posture are two investments in your health that will last a lifetime. Pilates is a holistic fitness approach that unites mind and body in creating physical and inner strength and resilience. Read this guide to learn more about Pilates: Its origins, purpose, and many benefits:

What is Pilates?

Pilates is an adaptable fitness approach combining the use of specialised equipment with carefully calibrated movements. The system was founded by Joseph Pilates, a performer and boxer who was interned in a camp in Lancaster, England during the First World War.

Pilates helped others in the camp stay fit with a collection of exercises he developed himself. It was while appointed as a nurse and caretaker of other prisoners of war in later years that Pilates honed his fitness method. He incorporated exercise equipment that used resistance to facilitate movement and physical rehabilitation.

I’m new to Pilates – why should I join a class?

The purpose of Pilates is to harness natural, controlled movement and promote flexibility, toning and increased strength. Pilates is especially useful for older people, since it can be adjusted to the fitness levels and capabilities of different age groups and fitness levels.

Pilates helps to promote healthy breathing or breath control, promoting optimal use of oxygen. Mindful breathing is crucial for both physical health and mental relaxation. Pilates increases body awareness too. This is one of the many reasons why it was widely adopted in the dance world and continues to be an important component of professional dance training.

You may wish to join a Pilates class if you:

Experience frequent back pain
Have poor posture
Are unfit
Breathe shallowly
Have poor coordination

These are just some of the reasons why many people choose to do Pilates.

What are the core benefits of Pilates?

The benefits of regular Pilates are numerous:

Increased lung capacity and better circulation through optimal breathing
Greater physical strength and flexibility, particularly in the abdomen and lower back
Enhanced coordination and body awareness
Improved bone density and joint health
Healthy uniting of the mind and body through focused movement

If you’re ready to experience the many health benefits of Pilates, join a class today.

Women’s bodies respond differently to pregnancy: Some mums-to-be gain weight all over while some only show a baby bump until much later in the pregnancy. Whatever your body type, however, Pilates is ideal if you’re a mum-to-be and want a gentle fitness approach that will not pose risks for the foetus.

Why should women practice Pilates for pregnancy? Ideally, one should start with Pilates even before pregnancy. Having built up a strong core means better posture and fitness. Many women, especially of slighter builds, experience back pain as a result of the extra weight carried both during and post-pregnancy. Pilates is a fitness method that helps to ensure you a sound back for life. Additional benefits for mums-to-be include:

Strengthening stomach muscles (which assists in supporting the extra weight as baby grows)
Reducing back pain – especially important since you will be lifting and carrying baby post-birth
Relaxation and controlling your breathing – both will help to ensure a smoother delivery

Is it safe to practice Pilates during pregnancy? Understandably, safety and avoiding personal injury or injury to the unborn is one of the largest concerns amongst pregnant women who consider joining Pilates classes. Pilates movements are typically gentle and highly controlled. However, to ensure maximum safety during pregnancy, only:

Take classes with a licensed professional who conducts classes for pregnant women
Do Pilates once you have informed your instructor you’re pregnant and how far advanced you are – this will help your instructor tailor exercises to your current state
Do Pilates as long as there is no pain – if you experience any pain or discomfort, stop immediately and consult your doctor before you continue with classes

Pregnancy is a joyous time that is filled with new developments. Make sure that you enjoy it to the fullest and safeguard your physical strength and health by joining a Pilates class that is matched to where you are in the pregnancy cycle.

Pilates – A Beginners Guide

Pilates: The best exercise for mums-to-be

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