What is Pilates?
Pilates is a type of full body exercise developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates. It was designed to work the mind and muscles in harmony.
It is a low impact form of exercise, focusing on flexibility, muscular strength and endurance.
Exercises are performed with an emphasis on precision, technique, balanced postural alignment, core strength, controlled flowing movements, and using the breath to centre the mind.
There are many different forms and variations of Pilates, however two of the most common are Mat and Reformer.
Matwork is excellent for addressing control and stability. It works to improve strength, agility, posture and flexibility of the whole body.
The reformer is a piece of equipment that uses a number of springs to apply a variety of resistance from very low to very high. The heavier springs are perfect for working larger muscle groups such as the big muscles around the hips and legs. The lighter springs are perfect for challenging balance and posture, and are great to work on the deeper core stabilising muscles (e.g. TrA, pelvic floor).
Pilates is one of my personal favourite forms of exercise as it can be modified to suit every single body. Exercises can be adapted to suit everyone; from those who have never done any kind of exercise before, all the way up to the most advanced Pilates aficionados.
It can be a great adjunct to your existing training if you’re a cardio bunny or a keen strength trainer, or it can make up your whole exercise routine – it is so versatile!
Pilates at YSP
Here at YS Physio we offer Pilates in a few different formats. The most popular is our group Pilates classes, that take up to 4 people and are run by yours truly (physiotherapist Jacinta). These sessions are 45 minutes and follow a circuit style, with a range of matwork and reformer exercises. We also offer smaller sessions in a 1:2 or a 1:1 capacity for those who would like a little more attention. This is a perfect option for someone just starting out, or for someone working through an injury.
If you would like to try out one of our classes, please get in contact. We would love to have you!
Written by Jack Rains
— Physiotherapist, Sydney
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