If you haven't tried Pilates classes, you are missing out on one of the fastest growing exercise systems in the UK. Pilates classes offer a full body workout designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to balance.
A holistic approach, Pilates classes are based on their founder's detailed anatomical understanding of the body's muscular and skeletal systems. This enables teachers to develop a detailed exercise programme for the client that develops optimum muscular and skeletal function for the whole body while still working on specific areas that need more detailed attention.
Pilates classes have many benefits including:
- Improved posture
- Improved flexibility
- Greater joint mobility
- Greater strength and muscle tone
- Better co-ordination
- Greater body awareness
- Reduced incidence of low back pain
- Fewer posture-related headaches
- Lowered stress levels
For this reason, many Osteopaths, physiotherapists and GPs recommend this as one of the safest forms of exercise available. It can be practised by people of all ages and all fitness levels.
You can practice it one on one with an instructor, in small groups sessions, or even at home - there are plenty of books and DVDs on the market.
