Pilates

What is Pilates?

Pilates is being hailed as "the fastest growing exercise technique worldwide".

Pilates is a mind & body conditioning exercise program that targets the deep postural muscles of the abdomen and spine to improve overall central core stability and posture. The mind and body are brought together to achieve these aims through the following eight sound principles:

1. Concentration
2. Centering
3. Breathing
4. Isolation
5. Routine
6. Precision
7. Control
8. Flowing movement

The Benefits of Pilates

The medical world is now realising the benefits of the Pilates method for the prevention and rehabilitation of back injuries. In order to prevent a recurrence of back pain, it is essential to retrain the deep abdominal and spinal muscles. Pilates focus’s on the strength and stability of these specific muscle groups and challenges them by adding gradual arm and leg movements and stretches.

Pilates suits all ages and fitness levels and is particularly beneficially for those with back pain, poor postures, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, sports injuries, arthritis, stress related illness and before and after pregnancy (for those with continence/women’s health issues)

Why Modified Pilates?

• Modified Pilates is now recognized as an effective rehabilitation technique for the relief and prevention of many back, neck and joint pain. It is also proven to be beneficial in the optimisation of sports performance.
• It is taught by Chartered Physiotherapists with specialist skills in the assessment and treatment of such conditions. These therapists have undergone specific training and examinations to gain teaching qualifications.
• Modified Pilates has been developed based on recent clinical research findings in spinal stability. It focuses on strengthening the core deep abdominal, pelvic floor and lower back muscles more specifically than traditional Pilates, meaning it is particularly beneficial for those with a history of injury or pain. The strengthening of these muscles allows for a more balanced and controlled body movement along with more efficient transfer of power from trunk to arms to legs.
• Training in such a way increases body awareness and improves posture.
• Modified Pilates also incorporates a mind workout, breathing control and relaxation so by the end of the workout you feel your mind is relaxed and you feel positive and energized inside and out.
• The exercises are low impact and do not cause unnecessary strain to joints as in some other forms of exercise and so making it suitable for all populations including those in ante/post natal periods.
• There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of Modified Pilates in the prevention and treatment of continence issues as the pelvic floor muscles are targeted and trained specifically.
• To ensure correct techniques are developed from the onset participants all commence at the beginners level and progress to intermediate and advanced levels as able.
• The repertoire of Modified Pilates exercises include exercises to improve stability, spinal mobility, flexibility of the key trunk and lower limb muscle groups, body awareness and postural awareness.

If you require treatment or further information on Classes please contact the Clinic

Instructors

Jeanette McDonnell, M.I.S.C.P. Read Jeanette's profile »

Eimear Fox Read Eimear's profile »