The Physio Pilates Studio

Pilates is appropriate for a gradual return to exercise following an injury or period of inactivity, as well as being an ideal form of exercise to participate in for cross-training in the athletic population and throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy. An experienced instructor can individually tailor exercises to suit each client. The moving surfaces and varying resistances of the equipment means the exercises can be taken to a more advanced level for increased challenge and enjoyment or made easier by providing assistance when necessary.

Pilates can be beneficial in many ways, which makes it suitable for a wide range of people. Below is a modified list of Pilates principles which will help you identify why Pilates is helpful for back injuries, postural stresses, overuse syndrome, sports injuries, stress related pain, neck and shoulder problems, lower limb problems and cross-training.

An experienced teacher can use specific exercises to
utilise spring assistance to aid a movement, or use
resistance to strengthen muscles.

Breathing

Breathing is an integral part of Pilates exercises, control of which can help in stabilizing the spine, articulation of the spine, core control and also helps you to move more efficiently.

Elongation and Core Control

Pilates exercises should be performed with a sense of length in your body. This elongation helps to create optimal space between joints and supporting tissues. Core control helps create the correct amount of stiffness around your joints to move safely.

Organisation of the Head, Neck and Shoulders

Pilates focuses on stretching and strengthening the right balance of muscles to hold your head, neck and shoulders in the optimal position on your spine. Correct organization helps you to move safely, with less energy expenditure.

Spine Articulation

Many of the Pilates exercises encourage you to move through each segment of your spine so the load is shared throughout the whole spine. Often spinal problems occur because some segments are too stiff and some have too much movement. Spinal articulation exercises help you to gain awareness of the movement in all areas of your spine and work towards improving the quality and flow of that movement.

Alignment of Your Limbs and Spine

Pilates exercises help to increase your awareness of your arms and legs in relation to your trunk. Proper alignment and organization helps you gain safe, efficient movement in your body. Good alignment means there is less stress on your body and you move more efficiently.

Integration of Movement

The principles above all lead towards better integration of movement in your body. Pilates is also a mind body form of exercise and integration of mind and body enhance the exercises and helps integrate the principles into daily life. Maximizing the mental involvement with the exercise helps enhance body awareness and gives many people the confidence to explore movement opportunities without pain. Just as elite athletes also recognize the importance of the mind, these principles are useful at all levels of movement. Pilates encourages the mind, body and spirit to move as one. Beautiful movement can be achieved when one moves the body and moves all systems.

Pilates should be an enjoyable movement experience which heightens body awareness and helps us move our bodies more efficiently with greater ease and grace.

Modified from Polestar Pilates Principles of Movement.