What is pilates ? 

Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility.

 

Pilates moves tend to target the core, although the exercises work other areas of your body as well.

 

You can do Pilates with or without equipment, but no matter what, expect the moves to involve slow, precise movements and breath control.

 

A typical Pilates workout is 45 minutes to an hour long.

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Who is pilates for?

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Pilates has something to offer people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness, from beginners to elite athletes.

 

The apparatus can be used to provide support for beginners and people with certain medical conditions, as well as resistance for people looking to challenge their body.

If you have any health concerns, such as a health condition or an injury, seek advice from a GP or a health professional before starting any exercise programme.

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What are the health benefits of pilates?

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There are many reports on the health benefits of pilates.

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Practitioners say regular pilates can improve posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility, as well as relieve stress and tension.

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For elite athletes, including dancers, pilates can complement training by developing whole-body strength and flexibility, and help reduce the risk of injury.

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Can pilates help reduce back pain?

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There's some evidence that pilates can provide pain relief to people with non-specific lower back pain. The use of apparatus enables someone with back pain to perform exercises with support.

For the exercises to be effective, they need to be tailored to the individual and vetted by an appropriately qualified health professional. 

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Can pilates help me lose weight?

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Pilates is classed as a muscle-strengthening activity, which can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Classes can vary in intensity: they can be gentle, or dynamic and offer a solid workout.

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If you want to lose weight, we recommend combining pilates with a healthy diet and some aerobic activities, such as swimming, walking and cycling.

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Can I injure myself doing pilates?

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Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, so injuries are uncommon.

 

However, it's important to find a qualified teacher and a class suited to your level of fitness and ability.

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What's the difference between pilates and yoga?

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While the methods are different, pilates and yoga both develop strength, balance, flexibility, posture and good breathing technique.

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Both systems emphasise the connection between physical and mental health, although yoga places more emphasis on relaxation and uses meditation.

 

Pilates is performed both on apparatus and mats, whereas classic yoga does not require any equipment.

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Pilates exercises are performed in a flow of movement without the static poses associated with yoga.

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What's the difference between apparatus and mat work?

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Joseph Pilates originally devised more than 500 exercises for his system, of which 34 were mat exercises. 

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Mat work may involve traditional pilates equipment, such as magic circles or hand weights, as well as non-pilates gear, such as stretch bands, gym balls and foam rollers. Pilates with apparatus uses equipment designed by Joseph Pilates, such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector and Ladder Barrel.

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Mat and apparatus pilates can be adapted to suit different levels of fitness and ability. However, if you cannot lie down on a mat for whatever reason, the apparatus can provide alternative ways to exercise.

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Pilates can be taught on a one-to-one or group basis.

 

If you have a health condition that may require close attention, check with the pilates teacher that their class is suitable.

 

Classes using apparatus offer a higher level of individual attention, but they're usually more expensive.