What
is Pilates?
Pilates is receiving huge success as a corrective exercise and rehabilitation tool.
Bodyfirm progressive Pilates technique is a movement technique with emphasis on muscular balance and postural alignment. Movements are flowing using conscious breathing and concentration, which can improve flexibility, mobility and facilitate a more balanced functioning body. It is a safe and highly effective way to stretch, strengthen and streamline your body without stressing your joints or building bulk.
Pilates aims to improve the quality of movement and function both by facilitating
body awareness, strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance. The aim
of the technique is to recruit the correct postural muscles in the abdominal
and lower back region in order to stabilise and support the spine.
By using Pilates Therapy to create a strong centre, organizing the trunk,
aligning our shoulder and pelvic girdles we distribute the load through
a network of appropriate structures, which ultimately may result in a better
quality of movement, in performing the ADL's (activities of daily living).
Movements may become more effective and efficient.
Pilates develops control without stressing the spine and corrects muscle imbalances. Pilates trains muscles to develop control through their full range of movement in a variety of combinations resulting in long flexible muscles -with greater strength through their entire range.
The Pilates method has recently been applied to injury management by some medical professionals and has been utilized in the management of spinal pain, in the form of stabilisation exercise and movement re-education. Pilates has applications in the management of soft tissue injuries, joint restrictions, sports and dance injuries. It is also a valuable exercise regime for the deconditioned individual as it is a gentle form of exercise, which can be progressed to advanced levels.
Osteoporosis and Pilates:
Pilates is suitable for patients with osteoporosis however they should not attend the regular group classes, as specific exercises are more suited to individual with osteoporosis and osteopenia. It is recommended that they attend for individual supervised pilates programmes.
Pilates helps patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia by increasing posture awareness and balance, stretches tight muscles especially around the neck and upper back and teaches stability exercises for the hip, shoulder girdle and spine.
Pre and post- natal Pilates:
A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy and exercise must be adapted and modified as the pregnancy progresses. The beauty of Pilates is that it can be individualized for anyone's ability. Over the course of the pregnancy the demand on the abdominal muscles should be decreased. During the second trimester these muscles become stretched out, and some women experience diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles). With reduced abdominal support there is a greater risk of injuring the lower back.Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the ligaments surrounding the pelvis become lax, leaving them loose and more vulnerable to injury and stress. For this reason, you should be careful not to overstretch. It is important to continue strengthening and rebalancing the muscles around the joints – supporting the body as it goes through postural changes related to pregnancy.
» Pre-natal:
Pilates is commenced in the second trimester. Pilates is helpful at this
stage to contract the pelvic floor musculature and transverse abdominal,
which help in stabilsing the pelvis and lower back. Pilates also focuses
on breathing, circulation, posture and relaxation in pregnancy. It is recommended
that clients have 1:1 sessions so that the programme can be developed to
the specific needs of the client. The use of the fit ball can be incorporated
in some of these programmes. This may be important in the later stages when
it becomes more difficult to get down to the mat.
» Post-natal:
Pilates classes can commence 6 weeks post-natal in clients who have had
a normal delivery. At the post natal stages clients can begin a
beginners Pilates group class if they have had no complications after the
birth or during their pregnancy.
Classes Timetable:
Evening classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings between 6-9pm
Saturday morning classes between 10-12.
For availability please contact the clinic, it is important that patients who have been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis bring their latest Dexa bone scan results with them for their first consultation.
