About Pilates

The Pilates method was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s originally as a rehabilitation program for prisoners of war. It has been used for fitness and rehabilitation since then. Pilates is for everyone whether you are a complete beginner, athlete, dancer or someone recovering from injury. 

From an early age, we are influenced by the way we live. The way we sit, carry heavy loads, the sports we play, the workplace environment, injuries etc all affect the way we move and use our body. These repetitive movements and incorrect posture over time develop imbalances/compensation in the body. Some muscles become tight, others become weak and the result is poor posture and ineffective movement patterns. How often have you noticed people with rounded shoulders, stooped posture and friends complaining of pain or injury in their hips, shoulders, knees or back? Chronic pain can be debilitating and depressing.

Pilates can be life changing and can give you the strength you need to begin playing those sports again or living daily life pain free and with agility and energy. The exercises work on strengthening muscles and lengthening others to help stabilise the spine, pelvis, shoulders and legs to create a solid base of support and promote centering (good posture). The beauty of the exercises is that you will feel stronger, taller, more toned and have more energy. Pilates is for everyone from young to old, beginner to athlete. If you are young, learning correct habits now will assist you to develop efficient movements so that you can help prevent injury and pain as you go through life. As we age, our body requires more mental and physical support and energy. 

But, it's important to know that to achieve this level of well being, it takes committment and time. Pilates is challenging. There are no short cuts to a better body. One or two sessions of pilates is not enough to make significant changes. "You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions." (Joseph Pilates). We need to take control of subconscious movements and with diligence, it won't be long before you develop strength, increased flexibility and poise. There are 6 exercise principles of the pilates method: concentration, control, centring, precision, flowing movement and breathing. All of these principles are used with each exercise to give you a full-body workout. Lifeworks Pilates are mat based exercise classes using your body and small apparatus as resistance. You can immediately start applying the 6 principles into everyday life and with persistence, fantastic results can be achieved!

 Summary:

Some of the benefits:

Improved awareness of posture and balance

Helps relieve back and joint pain including shoulders and neck.

Helps prevent injury and assists in safe rehabilitation.

More efficient movement patterns in every day life.

Assists in breathing and relaxation

Control over faulty movement patterns