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Benefits of Pilates
- Sophie Nicholson
- Sep 6, 2024
- 2 min read
Who founded Pilates?
Pilates exercise was founded by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. Pilates designed the exercise
system as a way to combat ill health as a means of involving practical movement styles,
including gymnastics, martial arts, yoga and dance, with an emphasis on control and
movement of the body.
What is Pilates?
Pilates involves the traditional methods of:
1. Centering – strengthening the “core” musculature
2. Concentration – focusing on exercise technique and execution
3. Control – close management of posture and movement during exercise
4. Precision – accuracy of exercise technique
5. Flow – smooth transition of exercises within in a sequence
6. Breathing – inhaling and exhaling in coordination with the movement
Pilates can incorporate floor-based exercises, known as “Mat Pilates” or the use of a
specialised spring resistance equipment, known as “Reformer Pilates”.
Pilates has become increasingly popular within sporting environments and rehabilitation
setting – but WHY?
Benefits of Pilates
1. Pilates can be modified to the needs and capabilities of everyone
2. Focuses on increasing strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, range of movement
and breathwork
3. Reduction in pain, with research identifying the benefit of Pilates in reducing lower
back pain
4. Positive effects on a healthy pregnancy, with benefits during pregnancy, labour and
after-birth
Pilates and Pregnancy
Pilates is a beneficial tool to assist with birth. Pilates is involved in strengthening and
increasing flexibility of the pelvic floor muscles which reflects on reduced labour pain, length of the active phase and second stage of labour and reduced caesarean sections and challenging births. Further research has reflected a improvement in neonatal outcomes, decreased back pain and improve maternal mental health.
Role of an Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiologists have the knowledge and skillset to prescribe Pilates exercises tailored to the needs and goals of each individual.
References:
content/uploads/2018/11/Effectiveness_of_a_physical_activity_programme_based_on_the
_Pilates_method_in_pregnancy_and_labour.pdf
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content/uploads/2013/12/The_Benefits_of_Pilates_Exercise_in_Orthopaedic_Rehabilitatio
n.pdf
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