Pilates is an exercise system that focuses on stretching and strengthening the whole body to improve balance, muscle-strength, flexibility and posture.
It was created by German-born Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s and incorporates elements of yoga, martial arts and Western forms of exercise.
It was adopted by professional dancers in the US as an effective form of recovery after an injury,
Pilates exercises combine strengthening with relaxation, it helps to lighten the load on your spine and joints by correcting muscular imbalances due to bad posture or misuse of muscles and alleviate tension.
Pilates is suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness. It is a more gentle way of raising your activity levels, especially if you have poor mobility, aches and pains or an injury.
Pilates can be adapted to raise the fitness levels of someone less active, and it can challenge someone very fit.
Before starting any exercise programme it’s advisable to seek advice from your GP or a health professional if you have any health concerns, such as a health condition or an injury.
It’s never too late to start, with pilates, a programme of exercises can be tailored to suit your individual needs.