WHAT IS PILATES & WHAT IS IT MEANT TO DO?

Essentially, Pilates is movement therapy for the correction of poor posture, poor breathing and poor muscle tone.

The system is named after the genius “bodyworker”, Joseph Pilates.

Pilates targets the deep postural muscles of the abdomen and spine. The effect is to improve the overall central core stability and posture.

It is an exercise programme that conditions both the body and the mind. Jaclyn talks of it as being the “thinking persons exercise”.

Not everyone knows that there are eight recognised principles employed to bring about this mind-body integration:

·        relaxation

·        concentration

·        breathing

·        centring

According to Dr Tom Crisp, a sports & orthopaedic specialist at BUPA, “the best way for men and women to improve posture and develop muscle strength is to attack the body’s core muscles – those around the trunk area. 

Exercises that will have the most effect without strain include Pilates and Yoga.” 

In Australia many rugby league clubs have compulsory weekly Pilates classes to prevent injury. 

In New Zealand The All Blacks include Pilates as part of their fitness programme!!