Everyone! From the very young to the very old. 

Because Pilates is gentle and progressive and strengthens with minimal stress or load on joints and ligaments, it is the ideal exercise for all ages.

Is Pilates a better alternative to cardio-vascular exercise?

 Not necessarily.  Cardio-vascular exercise which increases the heart rate is also important as it keeps our heart, lungs and blood vessels ‘fit’ as well.  However, cardio-vascular exercise such as regular walking, jogging or cycling does not address muscle imbalances which contribute to poor posture, joint, muscle and ligament pain and fatigue.  Ideally, Pilates and moderate cardio-vascular exercise compliment each other.

Is there a minimum level of fitness required to start Pilates?

 No.  Even the most sedentary people can benefit from Pilates.  Pilates Health Physiotherapy is run by a physiotherapist with 25 years experience in musculo-skeletal health.  Whatever has been limiting your ability to exercise in the past, be it pain, other health issues or just plain lack of motivation, Pilates Health Physiotherapy aims to tailor the exercises to start at a level most suited to you.  This is why it is a pre-requisite that you have an initial assessment so that the physiotherapist is aware of your particular needs and concerns.

Why Pilates?

 Pilates is an exercise technique that is particularly well suited to our modern lifestyle whether we are young or old.  Why? Because it addresses issues that we all face -

· Poor posture and sedentary living: modern living often requires us to be in flexed positions—at the computer, driving in a car, sitting in front of television, playing electronic games, working at a desk.  All these activities involve little or poor use of postural muscles nor do they encourage mind/body interaction. 

· Stress:  the creed of modern living!  There is ample scientific evidence that chronic stress, fatigue and illness are related. 

Pilates uses relaxation techniques, breathing control, postural re-alignment and stretching.  It also requires concentration to aim for accurate and energy-efficient movement which is something that few of us are good at in our rushed everyday lives.

How frequently do I have to do Pilates to benefit from this exercise technique?

There’s no getting away from it—benefit is only gained by regular practice!  Attending a class once a week is essential, practicing a little everyday is vital.  But it is important to remember that Pilates is NOT just about what you do in a class or what you do in your spare 5 minutes to practice it at home.  Pilates is about changing a lifetime of movement habits—Pilates SHOULD be about understanding your body better and moving more efficiently in your everyday life.