Key Benefits to Practicing Pilates on the regular!

The Pilates method dates back to the 1920’s when the creator Joseph Pilates developed a unique method of body conditioning exercises combining both stretching and strengthening.

He believed  “if at the age of thirty you are stiff and out of shape, then you are old, if at sixty you are supple and strong, then you are young!”

How could Joseph Pilates have possibly known that today’s modern fast-paced society would ‘love’ but more importantly ‘need’ the practice of Pilates!

In our modern lives, we are subject to more physical and mental stressors than ever before. We spend endless hours sitting at our desks and using computers which has an impact on our overall health and happiness.

Without proper care of our bodies and minds it is almost impossible to feel happy and vibrant, but rather we feel tired, stressed and fatigued.  

There are many benefits of Pilates that we’d love to share with you, but for now we’ll share our top 9 benefits.

Improve your posture - if you use a computer all day for work, choosing an exercise modality that focuses on specific postural improvement is a must to prevent poor posture, pain, and potential injury!

Reduce lower back pain (LBP) - LBP is one of the most common complaints from my clients who work full time at a desk. During your Pilates session, your lower back is both stretched and strengthened to reduce pain and prevent future pain or injury.

Increase core strength - Pilates will not only strengthen your core, but it will also strengthen the other three layers of your abdominals as well. (Yep, you have four layers in total!!).

Increase muscle tone & strength - the Pilates system uniquely gives you longer leaner muscles due to the way your muscles are stretched and strengthened simultaneously through every movement.

Better joint mobility and stability - As we age our joints can become weaker and stiff. Pilates helps us to build joint mobility and stability which keeps us both strong and supple.

Improve flexibility and range-of-movement - the Pilates method intelligently stretches your entire body during every class which improves your flexibility and your range of movement.

Increase your balance, and coordination - Balance and coordination exercises are practiced as part of every Pilates class which eventually transfers into your day to day life helping you move with ease.

Enhances vitality, stamina, and performance - this is why so many AFL footballers and pro-athletes are doing Pilates! They’ve recognised if they combine Pilates with regular training, their body is not only in top shape, but less likely to become injured, plus they have a competitive advantage over everyone else!!!!

Prevent injuries! - this is a huge one! In my past life I played competitive touch rugby. The season I did regular Pilates alongside my other training was the first year I went through an entire season injury free.

Pilates truly is for everybody, no matter what stage you are at with your health journey.  

It’s gentle enough to retrain ailments so you can feel healthier, happier & live pain-free or challenging enough so you can improve your strength, conditioning, and fitness!