Pilates has been around as a popular form of exercise for a few decades now. It was created by Joseph Pilates out of his poor health as a child suffering form asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. Joseph Pilates dedicated his life to improving his physical well-being and strength.

 

From his studies of yoga and the movement of animals, his exercise system focusing on how the human body should move well for good health was born.

As the great man himself said: “Take a horse, if a man wants to race him, he keeps him in top form. He makes the horse move. Why not keep humans in top form too?” (Joseph Pilates)

What a wise man!

 

So for those of you who have never done Pilates before you are probably thinking what is so special about it and what do the exercises concentrate on?

 

Pilates basics

 

• Focus on breathing – Did you know most of us don’t breathe well, which causes problems in our neck and low back as we get so stiff in our torso and ribcage meaning the neck and back have to work extra hard. Have a look a yourself on the mirror. Do your shoulders raise up when you breathe in? I would guess they do!

 

• Correct alignment of the spine – Hmmm, have you checked how you are sitting or standing reading this article? Does your spine look like a letter C? Are you slouched over a mobile phone or computer right now?

 

• Strengthening the core muscles – How are those abs?

 

If you haven’t tried Pilates yet……

…..here is why you will love it!

 

1. You’ll have less pain

 

I know myself when my body is moving well I have less pain. For those of you who have read previous articles of mine you will know I have a long term disc problem in my low back. I was offered surgery but refused. Being a physio I have seen too many clients who have opted for surgery and are no better off after it, in fact most are worse and regret having the surgery done.

So what did I do to sort my back problem? Well I turned to physio treatment and Pilates. Physiotherapy got my pain under control and got me moving again. I followed this up with regular Pilates to help keep me moving well which has meant my pain has gone and I am now a much happier person.

 

2. You’ll move better….a lot better!

 

If you have an ache, pain or stiffness anywhere in your body and you haven’t had an accident or injury then the most likely reason you are suffering problems is due to how you move.

When I say this what I mean is watch how a toddler moves….they have such beautiful pure movement and move in a way that we were made to move. For instance check out how a toddler squats down. Can you squat like this anymore? For most of us the answer is no. The reason for this is life!

As children we don’t have to stay static to get work done and we are up all day running, crawling, bending, rolling, playing….and the list goes on and this is why children rarely get pain or stiffness in their bodies.

So Pilates can help with this. The exercises we do in Pilates focuses on moving correctly with ease and fluidity. I always liken the human body to a car….. if a car doesn’t move for a week or two it is likely to feel clunky and not run right. Same for us as humans!….. if you don’t move, your body will cease up…and that’s when pain and stiffness kicks in.

 

3. You’ll look better

 

Has anyone ever said how great you look when you have been to the hairdressers or you are sporting a lovely tan from your latest holiday? Let’s face it all of us love a compliment as it boosts our confidence and self esteem. The same happens to lots of our clients when they have been coming to Pilates because they are standing taller and with good posture. They say lots of their family and friends compliment them on how well they look. Clients tell us they get asked if they have had hair done or have they lost weight and they reply,  “Neither, I am going to Pilates so I am standing and sitting better”.

Check it out for yourself. Stand in front of a mirror. Have a good look at how you are standing. Now stand up tall as if you have an imaginary piece of string coming out of the top of your head and it is being pulled up to the ceiling.

I bet you notice you instantly look taller, slimmer and younger! 😊

 

4. You will get your zest back for life

 

We all know doing exercise makes you feel better as it releases the feel good hormones called Endorphins. By stretching, strengthening and getting out of that chair shaped posture from sitting at that desk all day, you will get your blood pumping around your body which your muscles will thank you for as any tension you have will just fade away.

We have had Pilates described by one client as “I feel like I’ve just had a massage. I feel wonderful!”

Why did this client say this?…..well with Pilates you have time to focus on you and your body and forget about work, life and any worries you may have. You will find that with focussing on your movement and breathing which does take focus and concentration your body and brain will relax and recharge meaning you will feel less stressed and ready to face the world again.

 

5.  You can do it anywhere

 

Just like running Pilates doesn’t require any special equipment and you can practice it anywhere from your home, to the beach, hotel room, at work. Pilates designed his exercises so that anyone could do them at any time.

Sure, there is equipment based Pilates too but for matwork Pilates you literally just need yourself and a little bit of space.

So there you have it…..my top five reasons for why you should be doing Pilates and why you will love it!

 

If you live in the Southend-on-Sea area, check out our Pilates classes here!

 

If you are struggling with Back Pain and want any tips for easing it, here’s a special free report with 9 top tips to help you keep active with less back pain. Just click the link to get your free copy:  http://www.wdcphysiotherapy.co.uk/physiotherapy/back-pain/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[ebs_iconheading type=”h4″ style=”glyphicon-user” icontype=”glyphicon”][/ebs_iconheading] About the Author
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About Wendy McCloud

Wendy is the founder of The South East’s Leading Specialist Private Physiotherapy Practice for People in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, who want to keep healthy and active.

Wendy’s background includes working as an Extended Scope Practitioner Physiotherapist working as part of Mr. Ali Al-Sabti’s Orthopaedic Consultant’s team specialising in Shoulder Pain.

Wendy has treated royalty for Shoulder pain through referrals from her close links with a top Orthopaedic Shoulder Surgeons. More recently Wendy has been the sole choice physiotherapist for all Essex based referrals from London Shoulder surgeon Mr. Matthew Sala.

Wendy worked in National Level Rugby Union for 11 years, working with players who achieved county honours and representative honours for various countries such as England, Samoa, Australia and New Zealand. Wendy resigned from her position as Head Physiotherapist at Southend RFC in June 2011 to open WDC which has become the fastest growing clinic in the South East of England.

WDC is now a large multi-therapist speciality practice in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

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