Pilates
As our life-expectancy increases, we need to look after our bodies
and remain as mobile and capable of going about our day-to-day lives as
possible: Pilates is the perfect exercise regime for this!
I offer private Pilates Matwork classes at Shaftesbury Chiropractic on a Tuesday morning.
Rather than 'gentle' as Pilates is often described, I prefer to
say it offers a vast repertoire of controlled movements, some of which
are very subtle – all of which challenge mind and body either in terms
of physical demand or movement skill. Pilates is a movement exercise
method that is learn't rather than 'done'. It is low-impact (kinder to
our joints) and non-aerobic. Movements are performed slowly so that we
can improve accuracy and control, leading to a 'quiet strength' rather
than muscle-bound, and to great improvements in flexibility and spinal
comfort. In a typical group class I aim to take the body's joints
through a myriad of movement planes.
I pay particular attention to:
- helping the spine move better, helping reduce lower back pain;
- to regaining full mobility of the shoulder girdle (very
relevant to 'frozen shoulder' clients) through an exercise repertoire
and self-help techniques
- relaxation skills and self-help through breathing techniques and body awareness.
- Helping the body become more robust and less prone to injury (Core and upper body strength).
- Improving balance – not just when standing, but in many of the matwork exercise positions.
- Ensuring the class is fun, demanding and flies by!