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Clinical Pilates

Pilates Origins

Pilates developed the exercises with the goal to avoid strain or pain through attention to detail and precision. Flow of movement is sustained as well as using full range of motion to encourage lengthening out of your body as you work it.

The Pilates method was founded by Joseph Pilates in 1925. He himself was a sickly child who was determined to overcome his weak state. He went on to experiment and train in yoga, gymnastics, skiing, self defence, dance, circus and weight training. His definition of fitness was “the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind, fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneity, zest and pleasure.”

Pilates focuses on the six main principles of concentration, control, centring, flowing movement, precision and breathing.

The exercises are completed on the reformer or the mat which focuses on the removal of the fight against gravity which allows tension to be regulated and the spine and pelvis to be aligned.

Contemporary Pilates

Pilates focuses on training multifidus, transverses abdominus and pelvic floor which play the main roles as postural, endurance and stabilising muscles. The introduction and emphasis is on improving awareness, connecting breathing, understanding the body, getting the correct muscles working and allowing the overworked areas to reduce tension.

The exercises are directed towards clients’ strengths and weaknesses. The foundations of breathing, alignment and working on the core are emphasised and as able a broader range of exercises are introduced continuing to apply the principles of the method whilst attaining a more dynamic approach.

Pilates claims to offer:

  • improved posture- working on muscle balance of the pelvis
  • increased core stability and tone of the abdominals, strength and mobility
  • prevention of injury through increased muscle control
  • enhanced functional fitness
  • balanced strength and flexibility
  • heightened body awareness
  • low impact exercise
  • customised programs to suit everybody from rehab to elite athletes
  • improved performance and follow on effects in other sports
  • improved balance and coordination

Pilates at Peak Physio

At Peak Physio we offer Clinical Pilates: a focused program incorporating Pilates principles, but tailored to your individual goals and needs – perfect for advanced and early rehabilitation. We limit our classes to small groups with a maximum of four participants so the instructing physiotherapist can monitor closely for technique and exercise progression as required. Our qualified physiotherapists tailor individual programs to suit all levels of fitness, on a wide variety of equipment including reformer and mat work in our private purpose fitted studio. Consult our timetable for our range of classes to suit your lifestyle.