Supercharge Your Health With Pilates
The beauty of Pilates is its versatility. It’s great for all ages, and you can adapt it to make it more intense and dynamic, or slow the pace to make it more focused on flexibility.
I was a qualified osteopath and fitness instructor when I first came across Pilates about 15 years ago. The class I saw at a fitness convention included balance balls, but Pilates doesn’t have to be done with a ball – you can use other props, such as weights, bands and machines, or you can do it without using anything.
Pilates moves strengthen the whole body, with particular emphasis on the core. after
I’d learned the basics, I was hooked. It changes the way you perceive your body, the way you move, even the way you exercise. you learn exactly which muscles to activate to do a specific movement, and it helps to prevent injuries.
Because it’s slow and very controlled, Pilates helps you strengthen your deep postural muscles, which can keep your posture more aligned.
most people come to a Pilates class because of a problem, typically back pain or as part of recovery from an knee injury. some come along because they need to strengthen their spine or be stronger or have greater flexibility. But Pilates is also great at preventing problems.
If you’re trying it for the first time, it’s best to have an instructor leading you so you learn how to do the movements properly. once you’ve learnt the moves, you can incorporate them into your daily routine. Just doing Pilates two or three times a week can make a real difference.
Eleonora is an instructor at Maître of Thyme (020 7580 2336; maitreofthyme.com) in Great Portland Street, London.