Benefits Of Pilates

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There are many benefits Pilates can offer. Pilates works the whole body and uses numerous muscle groups which can benefit both the sporting individual and the person wanting to rehabilitate after an injury or episode of pain.

The main benefits Pilates can offer include:

Improved body awareness/posture
Improved core stability
Improved muscle control
Correction of muscle imbalances
Improve instability
Reduce chronic pain
Improve speed of recovery
Increased endurance
Reduce pain and risk of injury
Reduce stress and improve wellbeing
Increase flexibility
Develop greater power output

Increased Body Awareness/Posture

Pilates increases your body awareness and improves posture as the exercises focus on strengthening your core muscles. When the core is strengthened, your posture will improve as you will be able to support your body in the correct position for longer periods of time.

Above: Physiotherapist led pilates class using foam rolls

Improved Core Stability

Pilates improves your core stability because the exercises are designed to specifically target and strengthen this area. A stronger core stability enables us to carry out our everyday activities with more ease.

Improved Muscle Control

Pilates improves muscle control by strengthening your muscles, enabling you to have an increase in control of any movement.

Correction of Muscle Imbalances

Pilates corrects muscle imbalance as the controlled and corrective exercises target the muscles. The result is better posture, more efficient movement with less effort and a reduction in pain.

Above: One to One Pilates session with specialist physiotherapist

Improve Instability

Pilates improves stability as it encourages you to use and control your muscles in the correct way. By doing this, any instability you may have will decrease as you gain better control of your body.

Reduce Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can cause you to be frightened to exercise and can cause muscles to be used incorrectly. Pilates encourages you to use your whole body in a safe manner which has been shown to have a positive outcome and can influence your pain levels.

Above: One to One Pilates session with specialist physiotherapist

Improve Speed of Recovery

Pilates improves our speed of recovery as the exercises provide our muscles with a surge in oxygen carried by the blood. Blood also carries the chemicals we need to aid recovery. By doing exercise we are replenishing our muscles with an increase in blood, thus aiding a quicker recovery. Muscles that have been injured can find movement painful. Pilates is a gentle way to get your muscles moving correctly, allowing them to strengthen and hopefully avoid injury in the future.

Increased Endurance

Pilates improves endurance by increasing our energy levels which will help us cope with every day activities with a little more ease. Using our muscles within the Pilates class on a regular basis will encourage them to work harder for longer.

Above: Small class size, specialist Physiotherapist led pilates sessions

Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing

Pilates reduces stress and improves our wellbeing as it trains the body and mind to work together, enabling them both to relax. Pilates requires you to concentrate during the exercises. This transfers easily to various aspects of your life, improving your ability to cope better with every day stresses.

Increase Flexibility

Pilates increases flexibility because specific exercises within the class focus specifically on improving muscle length. Pilates classes are one of the best ways to improve range of motion and flexibility.