Not only is health a normal condition, but it is our duty to not only to attain it but to maintain it.
~ Joseph Pilates ~

Pilates, started by Joseph Pilates, who was an absolute genius, is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Pilates moves tend to target the core, although the exercises work other areas of your body as well. You can do Pilates with or without equipment, you’ll often see very strange but a wonderful piece of equipment called ‘The Reformer’ used in Pilates which is a system of pulleys, chains and springs to get you in shape. It looks like a torture chamber but don’t let it scare you off, it’s lots of fun (promise). Equipment or no equipment, expect the moves to involve precise, detailed movements and breath control.

It’s not much like yoga,  yea I know everyone compares them both but Pilates is closer to ballet than yoga, one thing they do have in common is that they’re both mindful movement disciplines. Pilates, like yoga has an interoceptive intelligence to it, it asks you to really connect with your body in a very detailed and refined way creating the mind to muscle connection.  We also use breathing exercises but in a totally different way to how we use breath in yoga. It is mainly to engage the diaphragm (intercostal breathing) as well as regulating the nervous system. 

Because Pilates tends to be slower it attracts a lot of people who want rehabilitation, however a word of caution, Pilates classes vary as much as they do in yoga, so sometimes you’ll have a class more rehab orientated and sometimes fitness oriented, so it is always better to check ahead with the instructor to see if the class is appropriate for your body. If you have significant injuries it is almost certainly better to get a few one on one classes before attending group so you have the teacher’s full attention and you know how to modify for your body.

After a few months of Pilates, no matter who you are, you’ll be walking around stronger, sleeker and have more control over your body. For all you body builders out there, Pilates will help you get more out of your muscles : in one 2019 study using a control group, those who engaged properly with neuromuscular connection got 80% more gains than those who didn’t. So no, this isn’t just for the injured and old though it will help prevent injury and premature aging.

It’s an all round practice that I’d recommend to absolutely everyone. I love that Pilates is so varied and therefore accessible to all; young, old, able bodied, disabled (with the right class). It is a movement practice that can be adapted to all abilities at any level. If you think you have a strong core, go test that out in a Pilates class!