Pilates Benefits

What is Pilates?
Developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s and later used by dancers and gymnasts to maintain fitness and regain fitness after injury. Latterly it moved out of that exclusive world into wider public use.

Why does it work?
Firstly by connecting the mind to the body it makes you more aware of you body when you move. The movements are deliberate and controlled. In this way you can first identify and activate the muscles that stabilise the body and be aware of which muscles are performing the movement. These often get mixed up, the body is very good at adapting and ‘cheating’ which can lead to longer term problems. You will discover muscles you never knew you had.

It is this rebalancing of the stability and mobility functions of the body that is key to the benefits of Pilates. It is a re-patterning process to get the body functioning as it was designed, breaking habitual patterns we develop through 21C living.

Tight and over dominant muscles will be stretched whilst the weaker muscles strengthened at the same time redressing your kinesthetic awareness.

Because it works in this way it is suitable for all populations, young, old, active, sedentary, fit, unfit; there is something that everyone can benefit from with Pilates.

It is the antithesis of gym style activities but your body will change and because it is a progressive system there is always something to challenge you, whether you want more of a fitness work out or are searching for that extra range of flexibility.

It works every part of the body and because it focuses on correct alignment from the foot, working up through all the joints to the hips, spine, shoulders, neck, it helps to regain lost posture. If you have any alignment or pain issue in any of these areas we can target those specifically.

As on overall integrated body conditioning system Joseph Pilates was way ahead of his time and we are only now, with more research realising just how it is working and how good it is. I am constantly looking at exercises and always getting a further insight into what is being addressed bio-mechanically throughout the whole body.

Mat based or Equipment
All the exercises are non-impact, the equipment is designed to support the body helping to target specific muscles, increasing range of movement without straining any other part of the body. Adjustable spring resistance is used again to achieve muscle balance and to find those deep connections. 

With mat exercises ( basically on the floor with a cushioned mat) the body is working against gravity. More difficult to achieve but challenging once the body is prepared.

pilates . movement therapy . myofascial bodywork

Chiswell Studios,
33-34 Chiswell St.
London EC1Y 4SF