Origin of Pilates

Joseph Pilates through his pursuit of reaching full peak condition, began to study yoga, martial arts and weight lifting. Joseph believed that his work was 50 years ahead of his time and could see that poor posture and insufficient patterns of breathing impaired people’s health. He was happy to share his technique with others.

Pilates was introduce to the UK by Alan Herdman in the 1970s, who set up the first ever Pilates studio, and now lectures the Pilates method world-wide, using Joseph techniques. Over the years, there have been many interpretations of Pilates. The current styles of Pilates methods can be divided into two broad categories of The Repertory Approach and Modern Pilates.

The six major principles of Pilates:

• Breathing;
• Concentration;
• Control;
• Centring;
• Precision; and
• Flow

Exercises within Pilates concentrate on postural symmetry, controlled breathing, core strength, spine, pelvis and shoulder stabilisation, muscle flexibility, joint mobility and strength.

Difference between Yoga and Pilates

Yoga is where an individual will hold a position or flow into another, whereas with Pilates once you are in the position, you challenge your core by moving your arms and legs.

Pilates looks to develop and strengthen the whole body. It involves a balanced approach with lengthening and strengthening the muscles, to restore the length to tension relationship, to either improve or restore optimal function. Pilates has different levels set at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

The new craze of Reformer Pilates involves a reformer machine, allowing the individual to increase intensity along with resistance being added.

Benefits of Pilates

• Reduces risk of injury, by improving the body’s strength and awareness
• Reduces lower back pain, by improving posture, which helps to support the spine
• Increases muscular strength, endurance and tone
• Strengthens the pelvic floor muscles
• Improves greater joint mobility, to keep joints lubricated and flexible
• Improve posture, focuses on strength and endurance
• Improves balance
• Reduces stress levels, encourages relaxation and improves blood circulation

There is not just one area of the body that will benefit from Pilates, different exercises can be added to a sequence to strengthen the whole body. Pilates is suitable for all ages, but some individuals looking to participate in Pilates may need to seek further professional advice.

Health Conditions

There are a number of health conditions that can benefit from Pilates:

• Chronic back pain
• Postural pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia

All of these conditions can be improved by strengthening muscles and joints.

What does a typical Pilates treatment look like with Alison?

“Pilates is a great complimentary treatment alongside massage, as they both aim to improve muscle function, enhance posture, reduce pain and prevent injuries. Pilates also works alongside chiropractic care, as it increases the strength of muscles which helps to maintain alignment.”

After completing the PAR-Q questionnaire, Alison works with the individual to set short, medium and long-term goals. They are therefore specific to each person, measurable to monitor progress, with agreed and achievable realistic targets, all within a timescale.

Each session consists of a warm up, where participants will focus on correct posture and alignment, lateral breathing techniques, engagement of pelvic floor and core stability, mobility to lubricate joints, proprioception, concentration and focus and finally bodily awareness.

The main phase of exercise promotes five levels:

1. Muscular strength and endurance;
2. Mobility;
3. Stability;
4. Balance; and
5. Coordination  

The closing phase of the session consists of post-exercise stretches, relaxation techniques, some mobility and finally advice and aftercare comments.

Sessions are held on a personalised one-to one-basis where Alison works with the individual to achieve the findings from the initial assessment.

Alison is a qualified Massage Therapist and has a YMCA level 3 Diploma in teaching Pilates. Call us and speak to our Reception team to find out more about 1-1 Pilates sessions with Alison.