What is Pilates?

The Pilates method has been in existence for over 90 years.  Developed by Joseph Pilates and originally called ‘contrology’, it comprises a series of exercises designed to create a strong, flexible and adaptable body.

Joseph Pilates underpinned these exercises with principles that focused the mind, creating controlled and precise movement.

Originally developed on elite bodies, the exercises can be very challenging to ‘normal’ bodies, particularly if there are movement restrictions or injury.  The Body Control approach to this is to ensure teachers ‘break down’ the original exercises and adapt them to individual abilities.

By performing the exercises and understanding the underlying principles, the benefits of Pilates can be many.  Here are just some of them:

• Increased awareness of correct posture and alignment
• Identification of causes of muscle tension or discomfort
• The restoration of natural movement
• Excellent mind body connection
• Development of a strong, flexible body
• Release of tension

You can do Pilates for many different reasons, including:

• As an enjoyable way of keeping fit
• As an enhancement to other physical activity
• As part of elite sports training
• As rehabilitation from injury