Pilates is a body conditioning method that works in a different way to any other fitness technique. Pilates targets deep postural muscles, building strength from the inside out. Pilates will improve posture, increase flexibility and mobility, and relieve unwanted stress and tension.  It helps reshape your body - which will become leaner and more toned.  Pilates works for all ages and all bodies, from the first time exerciser to the top athlete.  It is especially beneficial to those people who suffer from postural backache and neckache as it helps to rebalance the body and bring it into correct alignment.

Each exercise is based on the 8 principles of: 

Relaxation - Learn to release unwanted tension.

Co-ordination - Body awareness leads to control of body movements, with good proprioceptive skills  helps to develop co-ordination and motor skills.

Stamina - As your muscles become stronger your stamina and endurance will improve.

Alignment - To rebalance the body so that it is in correct alignment which will improve your posture.

Breathing - Lateral, thoracic breathing is taught, with the timing of the breath used to facilitate the movements.

Concentration - To focus the mind and move thoughtfully with awareness is fundamental to the technique.

Centring - What we call "core stability".  Draw the navel back to the spine which engages the deep core muscles (transversus abdominus and multifidus which stabilise the spine).  Lumbar, pelvic, scapular and cervical stability form the basis of sound movement patterns and are part of every Pilates exercise.

Flowing Movements - From a strong core, flowing movements are performed with fludity and ease.

Joseph Pilates method is almost 100 years old and is suitable for everybody regardless of age, fitness level or medical condition.

Pilates is recommended by many health professionals such as physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors as the ideal exercise to develop strength after many forms of illness or injury and to combat the stresses and strains caused by poor working conditions or bad postural habits (caused by everyday living).  When practised under the supervision of a well trained teacher it is perfectly safe for any and everyone.