What is Pilates?
Pilates is a method of exercise and physical conditioning designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Pilates strengthens all the muscle groups, but particularly the deep “core muscles” which are so important to both our posture and our overall health and well being.
Practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing is a primary focus. Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, coordination - both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilates program. Posture, balance, and core strength are all dramatically improved. Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time in their lives.
Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity often spills over into other areas of your life.
Is it a fad?
Pilates takes its name from Joseph Pilates, a German-born emigré to Britain and then America, who devised it in the early 1900s. Long popular among dancers, gymnasts and professional actors, Pilates has now been discovered by a wider public - from those who want a stronger back or flatter stomach to those with specific injuries or medical problems that Pilates can help; or else, simply those who want to get fit or de-stress.
Indeed, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and doctors now recommend Pilates as one of the safest and most effective forms of exercise available.
The results you see from Pilates won’t just remain in the studio. You will learn to incorporate what you learn in your Pilates sessions into your daily lives – how you stand and walk, how you sit at the computer or drive a car, as well as more physical activities such as football, skiing, tennis, running, cycling, hiking, dancing or swimming.
Pilates is for everyone interested in improving the way they look, feel and move. Our students range in age from 15-73 and vary from those whose work demands too much sitting; to those who sit too little. We work with athletes, busy mums, stressed out executives with bad backs, people with acute injuries and chronic pain, and expectant mothers. Pilates brings benefits to those who have never exercised before as well as to those who always have and always will.
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Having never stuck at any type of exercise for longer than a few months, I finally decided to try Pilates. Cobham Pilates was recommended by a friend, as I complained I couldn’t find a form of exercise to suit me. That was over 2 years ago, and I’m still going, and loving every class! The teachers have a fantastic ability to explain every movement in such detail that I know I’m exercising to my full potential. I get individual attention when they feel I need it, as does everyone in the class, and best of all we have fun! I have seen a big difference in my body (at 46 I thought it might be too late) but because of their passion and belief in how good Pilates is for a healthy body, I find myself motivated to improve my technique with each session. This is one exercise routine I won’t be giving up!
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