What is Pilates?

A mind-body technique designed to emphasise the importance of beginning movement from a central ‘core’ of stability. Pilates exercises stretch, strengthen and balance the body, targeting the deep postural muscles through a series of exercises focusing on building muscle strength and re-balancing the body.

Initially developed as a rehabilitation tool, the technique was created by German-born Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s and incorporates elements of yoga, martial arts and Western forms of exercise. He believed that poor posture goes hand in hand with poor health.

In 1912 he was interned as a prisoner of war when World War I began. During this time he worked within hospitals utilising his method to successfully rehabilitate the wounded. After the war he then emigrated to the USA where he set up a studio attracting professional dancers, actors, gymnasts and athletes who were seeking to learn his technique.

Pilates has steadily grown in popularity around the world, and includes celebrity fans such as Hugh Grant, Cameron Diaz, David Beckham, Kate Winslet, Andy Murray and Jennifer Aniston.

What is APPI Pilates?

The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) method is a modification of traditional Pilates, adjusting the components to be suitable for the clinical population. Everyone can practice the same exercises but at a level of difficulty that is appropriately challenging for them.

Health Benfits

  • Improved concentration.
  • Improved muscle control.
  • Improved body awareness.
  • Better posture and alignment.
  • Reduced risk of injury.
  • Reduced stress levels.
  • Improved flexibility.
  • Improved muscle endurance and muscle tone.
  • Greater joint mobility and increased bone density.
  • Improved stability and mobility.
  • Improved balance.
  • More efficient respiratory system.

There is evidence to suggest that Pilates can provide pain relief to people with non-specific lower back pain. For the exercises to be effective, they need to be tailored to the individual and taught by a qualified teacher.

Pilates can support weight loss and give a more streamlined appearance. If you want to lose weight you should combine Pilates with a healthy diet and some aerobic activities, such as swimming, walking and cycling

Who is it Suitable For?

  • First-time exercisers.
  • Sports conditioning.
  • Rehabilitation following surgery or injury.
  • Post-natal conditioning.
  • Those in their golden years.
  • Those wishing to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
  • Medical conditions including musculoskeletal pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and repetitive strain injury.
  • ANYONE WISHING TO IMPROVE THEIR FITNESS AND APPEARANCE.

Pilates is suitable for people of all ages, abilities and all levels of fitness. Exercises can be tailored to the individual. Many clients do Pilates because they have reduced levels of fitness, finding the technique a gentle way of raising their activity levels.

Before starting any exercise programme it is always advisable to seek advice from your GP to ensure it is appropriate for you, especially if you have any health concerns that you feel may impact on your participation.

Principles Of Pilates

  • Concentration:
    A mind and body conditioning programme. Requiring maximum focus to optimise the value of the exercise.
  • Breathing:
    Breathing correctly allows you to calm the mind and improve your concentration.
  • Centring:
    Start your exercise and daily activity by focusing on you centre or ‘core’. Creating a girdle of strength
  • Control:
    Controlling your body allows you to optimise its efficiency.
  • Precision:
    Routine practice leads to precision.
  • Flowing movement:
    Natural movements performed correctly with control.
  • Integrated isolation:
    Isolating controlled body movement through exercises and daily tasks.
  • Routine:
    ‘perfect practice makes perfect’ Little but often.