Doing regular exercises known as Pilates gives consistently good results, enabling you to continue to do the things that matter to you.
• better posture - including back strength
• more mobility, strength and stamina - particularly core strength which can enhance your sports
• better balance, co-ordination, and better muscle tone
• better mind-body awareness
• more energy and more able to relax and beat stress
• help prevent falls.
A regular Pilates class generally covers a range of movements that focus on a particular aspect of the body eg core strength, spine mobility, standing balance, knee strength, thigh flexibility, and muscle release. With each particular movement having a target body part to work, it is repeated several times in succession - usually 8-12 times. Each class starts by warming up the muscles in preparation for movement, and at the end of the class, there will be a cooldown of the muscles to stretch and release them after having worked them. Each class will aim to reinforce and to build on what you learnt in your previous class.
Anyone can do a Pilates class. You don't need to be fit or bendy to do Pilates, but doing Pilates will help you become fitter and more bendy. While Pilates demands mental and physical focus, you will find your workout enjoyable and energising. You will find that you will move muscles you may not have moved for a while. For more on starting or restarting your Pilates class see Returning to Fitness.
...who on completion of her first 3 months of Pilates classes said: "I thought I was fit as I regularly run and go to the gym every week - however adding Pilates to my schedule made me feel muscles that had not been used for quite some time. Delighted with the results as my running and gym workouts are now stronger and more efficient, I feel fitter, and my sleep and posture has improved."
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