Pilates is based upon a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the human body. All the exercises are built around the eight key principles:

Relaxation; Breathing; Concentration; Flowing movements; Alignment; Co-ordination; Centring; Stamina

Pilates focuses on strengthening the core postural muscles that stabilize the body, building a girdle of strength from the inside out. The girdle of strength helps protect the spine, particularly the lower back area.

In addition to this by identifying those muscles that are weak, and those that are over dominating, we can work together to rebalance the body through a series of appropriate exercises. We will also look at re-educating movement of the body by training muscles to fire up in the correct sequence.

The overall result will be improved strength, flexibility and posture, which in turn will tone and streamline the body. Pilates is also a great way to relax and relieve unwanted tension.

In summary Pilates will:

• Improve general fitness and body awareness
• Improve and create a balance between overall strength and flexibility
• Teach relaxation, relieve tension and clear the mind
• Improve and correct posture alignment
• Tone and streamline all muscles
• Improve back problems; Osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists are now recommending Pilates as it is viewed as a safe form of exercise with a proven success rate in solving problems.
• Improve co-ordination and ease of movement
• Help with pregnancy: Pre and post natal
• Prevent Injuries

Who can benefit:

Everyone can enjoy and benefit from Pilates; regardless of age and fitness.

It is beneficial for:

• The elderly
• For children from 12 years-old
• Pregnancy: Pre and post natal
• Injury prevention
• Remedial and rehabilitation work
• Athletes and Dancers