“Pilates is the complete coordination of the mind, body and spirit.” - Joseph Pilates
What is Pilates?
Pilates was created in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates for the purpose of rehabilitation. Pilates may be performed using spring-resistant machines or on the floor (mat Pilates). Mat Pilates is what we do at "Sydney Pilates Community” so all you need to bring is your own mat!
Mat Pilates is a series of exercises performed on the floor using gravity and your own body weight to provide resistance. It involves a series of low-impact strength and flexibility movements with a focus on proper postural alignment, core control, breath and concentration.
Benefits of Pilates
Relaxation And Stress Management
Pilates techniques require focus, concentration and breathing, making the class an excellent time out from the pressures of life. Participants leave a class feeling less stressed and with increased energy, vitality, clarity and focus.
Improve Core Strength and Posture
In pilates there is a focus on strengthening the deep postural muscles that protect and align the spine and other joints in our body.
Improve Balance
Remember that a stronger core will mean better balance! The different positions that you put your body in during Pilates challenge your balance to varying degrees. The good news is that being consistent with your Pilates can improve balance quickly!
Anyone Can Do It!
The best thing about Pilates is that it is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness due to the modifiable nature of the movements. Pilates is a low impact form of exercise so anyone can do it!
Flatter Stomach and Trimmer Waist
Pilates focuses on the deep core muscles that hold in all of our abdominal contents. If these muscles are strong it can flatten the stomach area.
Improve Joint Mobility
Pilates is an excellent source for improving mobility and range of motion in the joints for everyone but especially for seniors.
Optimal mobility is necessary for everyday activities such as walking, getting out of bed or getting up and down.
Increased Muscle Strength and Tone
If done regularly, Pilates will increase muscle strength and tone, particularly your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips, buttocks and inner thighs
Increased Bone Density
Weight baring pilates exercises can assist in increasing bone density, which decreases with age.
Post Natal Recovery
Modified versions of the Pilates repertoire can assist in regaining core strength and posture after giving birth. Once your doctor gives you clearance to begin movement, Pilates can help accelerate the healing process of muscles like the transverse abdominis (your deepest abdominals that form a “corset” around your torso) and the obliques (your waist). It is recommended you wait 6 weeks post partum to engage in Pilates.