Pilates Classes

Joseph Hubertus Pilates was a German of Greek descent, physical trainer, and notable for having invented and promoted the Pilates method of physical fitness. For Joseph Pilates, the health of mind and body are inextricably linked. “Physical fitness,” he believed, “is the first requisite of happiness.” This basic principle is the foundation of the Pilates method, which is a program of specific and controlled exercises that stimulate the mind and body, with the mind controlling the muscles – not the other way round. “Ideally our muscles should obey our will,” he said, “It is the mind itself which shapes the body.” The focus of Pilates is that what counts is not so much what you do, but rather how you do it.

Pilates isn’t aerobics: it demands intense concentration and focus on posture, core muscles and breathing. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, where precision is everything. So what exactly is Pilates? It is an exercise and breathing regime that “develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.” What benefits can our favourite form of exercise offer if practised daily for only 30 minutes?

1. Relieve back pain Activating the core muscles will prevent and relieve back pain in the long term.

2. Improve flexibility and joint mobility Pilates will eventually lead to a more efficient and balanced body.

3. Strengthens muscles Our Pilates instructors recommend doing this using only your body weight without putting pressure on your knees and joints.

4. Possibility to lose weight Pilates will increase your metabolism rate, which helps to burn calories faster.

5. Balance body and mind This exercise makes you more aware of your body and what you can achieve.

6. Reduces stress Interestingly, stretching your body will help metabolise the stress hormones that build up in the body.

7. Improve Stamina Your body will become stronger the more you do Pilates, and your overall endurance will improve.

8. Increase Energy Pilates will help your energy levels to increase, and you will stop getting tired as easily.