Jane Seymour

Staying Fit with Pilates

Jane Seymour

Pilates offers a responsible way to get in shape and look after your health. The Pilates system was defined by its founder Joseph Pilates, as “complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.”

Getting in shape with Pilates is a path anyone can start, from the couch potato to the super-athlete. All Pilates exercises can be modified to meet the needs of the individual. Even with Mat Pilates exercises, you can always adjust the motion and intensity to your own personal level.

The Pilates principles are centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow. These principles are what separates Pilates from many other workouts which may address the physical aspects of wellness but do not work to integrate the mental and emotional elements of health.

 

Pilates exercise starts with the core of your body — with full breaths refreshing your cells; with your heart and circulatory system pumping fresh blood into your tissues; and with training the deep muscles of your abdomen, back and pelvis (your Pilates powerhouse) to support your spine, and provide stability in your pelvis and shoulders as you move.

When we strengthen and stabilize the core, we can safely move out from the center to increase the flexibility of our spine, stretch our muscles, and improve the range of motion in our joints.

Pilates is a progressive system. If you are consistent with your Pilates training you will be adding new moves and increasing your stamina and intensity with each workout.

To get in shape with Pilates, Joseph Pilates recommended a minimum of 3 times per week. Pilates Mat work can even be done every day.  Mat workouts as little as 10 minutes can also benefit when you are starting out. Your goal is to work your way up to between 45 minutes and one hour.

pilates pose

Whenever possible, the best Pilates practice happens at the hands of an instructor who can not only guide you through proper form but also move you forward towards your ultimate goals.

 

Many people find Pilates to be an entirely satisfying fitness regimen, since they not only feel themselves getting stronger and feeling more “connected” but they feel the benefits mentally as well. Time spent concentrating on nothing but balanced movements can be uplifting.

At Pilates Fitness we offer  one-on-one classes to help you engage the right muscles in the right sequence, before you move into general beginner or advanced classes.

 

In traditional exercise terms, Pilates is a system of moderate strength and flexibility training. Enjoying all of the additional benefits of Pilates will happen the sooner you begin.

Book in for a one-on-one to get more out of your Pilates practice.