So you've heard about Pilates, or you've seen posters, you might have passed by my studio in La Grade Freinet or other studios where you live and wondered what it's about and if the hype is true. You wonder "What are the benefits of Pilates for you"?
I've been a student, teacher, and teacher trainer of Pilates for many years. I can say it's a system of exercise I've never become bored with. I'm not surprised when clients or student teachers realise how great it is.
Whether you're new to Pilates and exercise in general or are a regular exerciser the benefits of Pilates are clear for everyone. There are 6 Pilates Principles although some schools mention 8 or 7 - Joseph Pilates, the creator of the technique didn't set down these principles but teachers who continued with his system thought a set of defining formulas would be helpful.
Concentration: A fundamental principle - Pilates is a mind and body programme. When you work with concentrated effort, the effects are noticeable.
Centering: Pilates uses the deep abdominals - and those abdominals stabilise the body, once they're active the more superficial muscles can move the body safely.
Control: When Joseph Pilates developed his technique he called it Contrology. The aim of the technique is to work in such a way as to reduce the risk of injury from uncontrolled, sloppy movements. The exercises are not performed super slow, but from the inside out consistently and with quality.
Breathing: A full breath is recommended during all Pilates exercises to keep you alert but also to help with coordination, timing, and rhythm.
Flowing Movement: The aim of a well-organised Pilates class is to create a smooth, fluid transition between movements creating a sense of well-being and a stress-free workout.
Taking into account the Principles it's easy to see what Pilates can do for you - how regular Pilates classes can help to ease stress, strengthen, tone, mobilise and improve flexibility. All these qualities will improve your sports and reduce any potential for over-use injuries. Consider how many times you serve during a game of tennis or swing the golf club around 18 holes.
Clients of all ages tell me how well they feel after a class using both the mat work system and the professional equipment. They tell me:
Don't be mis-lead by those acrobatic photos you've seen in magazines or on Youtube. Pilates is for everyone whatever their fitness level. Exercises can be changed to help with any issues. They can also be very athletic for those who want to improve their fitness level.
Pilates is not "a good stretch" it is a full-body technique to help you achieve whatever health and fitness goal you want.
So next time you pass that Pilates studio or class, pop your head in - get some more information.
As usual, if you need more information or have questions contact me at Nuala@nualacoombspilates.com
We've looked at the benefits of regular Pilates sessions. I hope you can start to think about trying it out - if you're not already a client. Remember What Pilates Can Do For You
http://www.nualacoombspilates.com/5 Reasons to Do Pilates
If you have questions just visit my studio at Place de Vielle, La Garde Freinet 83680 or email: Nuala@nualacoombspilates.com or you can always phone - +33 (0)6 73 99 37 85
It's an important question. Is Pilates For Pregnancy Safe? It's been proven, ladies who exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have a calmer delivery. Pilates during pregnancy is the perfect low-impact exercise programme.
Pilates targets the areas most affected during pregnancy - posture, back pain & balance. The fundamental benefit of a Pilates For Pregnancy programme is these areas. With the controlled movements using a full breath, the system not only strengthens but helps to mobilise and stabilize.
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/carpal-tunnel-during-pregnancy_234
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists have a detailed website covering all aspects of Pregnancy.
Exercising during pregnancy has many benefits, not least the "me" time for the Mother as well as the improved sense of well-being. The effect on posture cannot be overestimated. As the pregnancy develops there's a potential for the pelvis to tilt forward. Left unchecked this can cause compression in the low back resulting in pain. Regular Pilates For Pregnancy classes during pregnancy will help strengthen postural muscles particularly the abdominals to avoid excessive forward tilting.
So the answer is a big YES to using Pilates When Pregnant with modifications as it progresses. I've had clients attend classes up until their delivery dates.
If you have any particular questions regarding Pilates and Pregnancy as a client or Teacher, just ask - Nuala@nualacoombspilates.com
You may have been thinking about doing Pilates but you're not sure about the benefits. After all it's more expensive than most exercise classes available to you. Here are REASONS TO DO PILATES to help you make a good decision:
Whether that's Golf, Football, Tennis or any sport you enjoy. When your back doesn't hurt after a round of golf. When you don't need pain killers because of your big serve when you play Tennis. Good Reasons To Do Pilates. You'll learn how to engage and control your deep abdominal muscles to support your low back.
We need to be able to move with ease and with quick reactions when necessary. Keeping our ability to enjoy our sports for as long as we want. As we age to be able get out of a chair smoothly or take a walk without pain. Regular Pilates practice will allow you to keep your mobility and independence. A Great Reason To Do Pilates. https://nualacoombspilates.com/pilates/age-fast-age-slow
When your ability to take a deep breath is difficult it can affect many areas of life. Young or older the importance of breathing easily and effortlessly all the time is the basis of health. Pilates teaches a full breathing pattern throughout the class. Having this ability will allow you to take it into your daily life. You'll see improvement in your energy, you'll concentrate better and sleep will improve. Just a few Reasons To Do Pilates.
Unlike most exercise programmes you don't need any special kit. No particular shoes are needed. Classes are bare-foot or with socks as Pilates is low impact. You just need to wear clothes that allow you to move freely without restrictions.
There's no age limit for Pilates everyone is welcome. If you have particular health issues a professional Pilates teacher will be able to adapt the exercises for you. Age is no barrier either from young to not so young the exercises can be changed to help everyone get the full benefit.
http://www.nualacoombspilates.com/healthy ageing
So there you have it - there are many more REASONS TO DO PILATES these are just a handful to set you thinking.
Any Questions just email - Nuala@nualacoombspilates.com I'm here to help.
It comes to us all - each year as we celebrate our birthday we start to notice changes occurring. It could be our first grey hair letting us know something is going on. Healthy Ageing is in our hands. Assuming we have no underlying health issues, our attitude, mindset, diet, exercise regime and sleep pattern all play a significant part in our process.
You may accept you're older but don't consider yourself old. You find some things not so easy as they used to be but, don't fall into the trap of thinking it's because of your age - growing older doesn't mean you're going to lose your independence or become less mobile. That stiffness you feel bending down to pick something up, or getting out of a chair may have more to do with you being less active than a direct result of your age. Make Healthy Ageing your priority.
As we age it's easy to lower expectations regarding movement and exercise, becoming more sedentary due to health reasons, pain or just feeling age and slowing down are the natural way of things. I'm here to tell you it's never too late to start moving. The saying "use it or lose it" springs to mind.https://nualacoombspilates.com/pilates/age-fast-age-slow
My book with the same name will help you understand what's going on in our body as we age - with some good information you can stay healthy, vibrant, productive, active and energised. it's your choice.
It's available from Amazon in Kindle format and paperback - https://amzn.eu/d/ebfaLeF
Healthy Ageing means you know you can choose to do whatever you want - start a healthy lifestyle, run that marathon, or start a business - as long as you're healthy, life has no bounds. I didn't open my Pilates studio in La Garde Freinet until I was 62. Of course I wasn't new to business, but I didn't give my age consideration when I decided the village needed a Pilates studio and I was proved right.