In the early 2Oth Century Joseph Pilates developed a fitness regime that emphasises the whole body, proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance. Emerging through his exploration of various forms of exercise including yoga, martial arts and ancient Roman and Greek systems of exercise, Pilates is designed to improve flexibility, build strength, and develop control and endurance through low impact exercise that can be adapted to all ages and levels of fitness. Today Pilates is practiced all over the world in various settings, studios, gyms, rehabilitation centres or even at home. Many athletes use pilates as an holistic approach to fitness and well- being.
Pilates can play a specific role in sports at all levels.
Core Strength- essential for power and stability which helps prevent injury
Flexibility- stretching and lengthening exercises to help achieve a full range of movements and to help prevent muscle imbalance.
Body awareness-helps athletes understand and maintain proper body alignment
Balance and co-ordination – controlled, precise movements that challenge everyday levels of balance and coordination.
Mental Focus – Pilates requires mental focus and concentration, great practice for competition, performance and beneficial in non sporting activities or the work place.
Rehabilitation- Pilates can be used as a recovery process to regain mobility and strength after injury (always take advice from a trained professional).
Cross Training- used as a low impact exercise programme that can complement primary training activities promoting relaxation and muscle soreness.
Liquid chalk in Pilates helps improve grip on both your hands and feet whilst working on floor mats or with bars and straps. It helps reduce the build up of sweat and by providing a reliable grip it can improve balance and stability.