What is pilates?
There’s more to pilates than developing “strong abs” or “core strength”. Pilates is an exercise system that focuses on stretching and strengthening the whole body to improve balance, muscle-strength, flexibility and posture. It was created by German-born Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s and incorporates elements of yoga, martial arts and Western forms of exercise.
What are the health benefits of pilates?
Pilates can help improve posture, muscle tone and flexibility, core strength and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension.
Can pilates help reduce back pain?
There’s some evidence that pilates can provide pain relief to people with non-specific low back pain. For the exercises to be effective, they need to be tailored to the individual and taught by a qualified teacher.
Can pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates isn’t an effective activity for losing weight. If you want to lose weight you should combine pilates with a healthy diet and some aerobic activities, such as swimming, walking and cycling.
Am I too old for pilates?
No. Pilates is suitable for people of all ages – even people aged in their 80s
Do I have to be fit to do pilates?
No. Pilates is suitable for people of all levels of fitness. It’s a more gentle way of raising your activity levels, especially if you have poor mobility, aches and pains or an injury. Before starting any exercise programme it’s advisable to seek advice from your GP or a health professional if you have any health concerns, such as a health condition or an injury.
Can I injure myself doing pilates?
Pilates is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise. Injuries are uncommon.
What’s the difference between pilates and yoga?
Both pilates and yoga focus on developing strength, balance, flexibility, posture and good breathing technique. With its emphasis on the unity between the mind and body, yoga has a more spiritual side than pilates. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase the strength and flexibility of the whole body) and breathing. Pilates also uses breathing, but its exercises focus much more on precise movements to target specific parts of the body.
Why not come along to the Community Centre on Wednesdays or Thursdays – 6.30 to 7.30 pm – to join in?
The cost is only £3 for a session. Telephone 07718 279 355 for further information and to reserve your place.