What is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact exercise method dedicated to improving physical and mental health. It is a system of body control which teaches people how to use their muscles more efficiently by realigning and correcting poor body posture.
Pilates focuses on building strong abdominal and back muscles (the core muscles) to increase flexibility and agility, and at the same time tone stomach and thigh muscles, whilst improving posture.
Pilates is based on eight principles:
- relaxation
- alignment
- control
- precision
- routine
- breathing
- centering
- flowing movement.
It is not aerobic, although Pilates does require effort, and involves a lot of mat work and deep abdominal muscle work. It is gentle and safe provided it is taught by a qualified teacher.
