5 BIG REASONS PILATES SHOULD BE IN YOUR LIFE

1.       Pilates is For Every Body!

It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out with exercise, a professional athlete (or anything in between), Pilates is an adaptable exercise and the principles of strengthening your core and focusing on body alignment apply to you!

All of the exercises can be modified to suit your fitness level, injury status, age and gender so it’s always the right time to get started!

2.       Connect your body & mind!

Pilates requires focused and controlled movement, making it perfect for tuning in to what’s really going on in your body and out of the noise in your mind.

Lots of the exercises target the smaller, harder to reach, muscles so it is critical to establish a mind to muscle connection to get the most out of your workout.

Breathing is important.  Focussing on correct breathing technique ensures you get the most out of your workout – in both your body and mind.

With so much to concentrate on it’s easy to remove stressful thoughts and just enjoy taking time out of your day for movement. So, lock your phone, lie back and relax on the reformer - your brain will thank you as much as your body.

3.       The physical benefits are fantastic!

Pilates will increase muscle strength and tone, without creating bulk. It will strengthen your deep core muscles and improve your flexibility, balance and posture.

All of these benefits will significantly decrease the chances of injury.

So many positive outcomes!

4.       Boost your energy & immune levels!

The feeling you get after Pilates is unlike any that you get from other workouts - think uplifting, strong and focussed. (And the low-level endorphin hit is great!)

Exercise that is enjoyable will always give you the best results  - since you actually want to participate - and Pilates is something you can incorporate multiple times a week, without the risk of over-stressing the body or burnout.

The link between physical (and mental) health and fitness and immune response is well documented.  During this global health crisis the need to maintain a strong and healthy immune system is more important than ever.

The magic of a Pilates routine becomes clear when you feel the benefits across other areas of your life - be it simply feeling better, being able to concentrate longer at work, avoiding sickness, or having the energy to make it to the end of your To Do list, it’s like a domino effect of positive energy!

5. There are different styles to suit everyone!

Classical Pilates

Classical Pilates follows the original Pilates system the way it was taught by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. It follows an exact set of exercises in a precise order that must always be followed. Exercises can slightly be modified if you’re unable to perform them, but the sequence is usually the same.

Mat Pilates

Mat Pilates is done on the floor using an exercise or yoga mat, encouraging controlled breathing whilst building core strength by working through body weight resisted movement. It can often also involve basic Pilates equipment such as a Pilates ring, resistance band, light dumbbells or weighted balls.

Contemporary Pilates

Contemporary Pilates is influenced by modern movement theory, rehabilitation and physiotherapy techniques. You will often find physiotherapy or fitness inspired exercises added into the workout. There is a large focus on understanding anatomy and the reasons behind each movement and exercise.

Clinical Pilates

Clinical Pilates is a system of safe and effective exercises which meet an individual’s specific needs. It is often used in combination with physical therapy to help you recover from injuries or to manage a serious physical condition.  Most often found in a physiotherapy setting, this form of Pilates may be recommended by your health care provider or your Pilates instructor to address specific injuries or physical needs.

Dynamic group Reformer Pilates - what Bodyfirst Pilates offers

Unlike Classical Pilates, Dynamic Pilates goes a step further.

It is a more dynamic (and intense) program than the other options, designed to improve posture and build lean and toned muscles by targeting each muscle group through a combination of slow and fast paced movements both on and off the Reformer.

Think of it as supercharged Pilates. 

With our standard (think beginner to intermediate level) classes designed to challenge everyone, cardio focussed, and advanced workouts we have something for everybody.

If you’re looking for a workout you’ll love every time, book a class with us to improve your strength and fitness today.

Join our Pilates family at Bodyfirst Pilates (trust us, you will feel amazing!)