What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on the strengthening of your core and mobility through a number of movements. There is a lot of emphasis places on precision of movement and technique.
Pilates also focuses on breathing and smooth movement, which encourages good posture. There is often a strong emphasis on abdominal and pelvic core strengthening which results in overall strengthening.
Pilates under the supervision of a qualified person is very good for rehabilitation of specific medical conditions. As a physiotherapist I often make use of pilates exercises in my rehabilitation programs. I find that my patients strengthen well in a controlled environment and has more courage to return to other forms of exercises like going to the gym when they take part in a pilates class.
Pilates is usually performed at three different levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced. It involves the use of different equipment including balls, elastic bands, rollers and rings. Pilates can be done on a mat or a reformer in a studio.
