SPOTLIGHT ON: PILATES
Balance + Glo Pilates
What is Pilates?
The birth of the method we now call “Pilates” is a remarkable story of a 30-year-old German man, Joseph Pilates, helping to rehabilitate his fellow prisoners in a War camp on the Isle of Man during the first world war. In his biography he writes that, he “had plenty of time to invent chairs, beds and exercise equipment” while he was held for four years on the Isle of Man. During his lifetime the method was called “Contrology” and it was only after his death that it was known as “Pilates”.
Joseph Pilates set out the foundations of “Contrology” as:
Breath
Concentration
Centring
Control
Precision
Flow
“Above all, learn how to breathe properly.”
The Physical Benefits of Pilates
There are several different types of Pilates including; Classical Pilates, Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates, Contemporary Pilates, and Clinical Pilates. All of the above centre on the six principles of Pilates written above. They are low impact, core focussed sessions designed to improve posture and increase full body strength and flexibility.
As Balance + Glo Pilates teacher, Emma Wharton, explains
“the breath pattern is designed to help keep the spine in a neutral, safe position, and to use the full capacity of the lungs which has many benefits. Other principles include, Cranial (position of the head) Pelvic, Rib Cage and Scapula placements . This encourages the joints to work in a safe plane of movement, it helps strengthen and support the joints with minimal compression and helps us target the smaller muscles that support them.”
Pilates for Rehabilitation/Pre-habilitation
Pilates’ emphasis of control of movement lends itself perfectly for rehabilitation from injuries. Emma was first attracted to Pilates after a history of injury working as a professional dancer.
“Due to my ongoing injury fitness made me nervous, I worried that workouts and activities would make the problem worse. Later on I was recommended Reformer Pilates by a friend, who underwent a full rehabilitation program using the method. The reformer helped me to build my core strength safely, I became more confident in my ability to workout. Having better knowledge about my body, I stopped shying away from activities, like group classes, home workouts, and the gym, and my fitness levels improved massively.
Feeling these life changing benefits, I decided to train and teach others. Now, a certified instructor in STOTT Pilates, Mat and Reformer, I also have diplomas in Pilates, Fitness, and Dance, with a certificate in First Aid.”
Pilates on The Online Studio
NEW Cardio Control Pilates Series
Cardio Control is a low impact cardio class based on pilates movements and interval training. Suitable for all levels that ideally have completed the Pilates Foundation and Tone series.
Each class is 20 minutes and builds intensity on the next. The first is intermediate level, and the second two are advanced. Prepare to get a bit sweaty and feel those glorious endorphins post workout.
Feeling like a challenge? Why not back to back two classes and extend the workout to 40 minutes.
Where to start as a beginner?
On the On Demand Library you’ll find the “Foundations” series that includes classes designed around the 5 principles, a lower body + glutes, core + abs, and upper body. Emma also suggests, if you have the time, having a go at one of the longer classes as it helps get a good understanding of the breath pattern while beginning to activate the deep core muscles.
