Demystifying pilates: what it is, who it’s for and what are the benefits

Plus, how to get started with pilates

You’ve probably arrived here because you’ve heard on the village grapevine that pilates is good for you, but you’ve decided to look up for yourself how pilates can help you.

The benefits of pilates are huge; everyone could benefit from it, but is an especially lovely practice for mid-life women because it brings you to movement in a way that you probably haven’t tried before. And there’s the odd coffee and slice of cake at the end. Sound like your cup of tea? Keep reading to find out all those lovely benefits and see for yourself why you should join a pilates class. 

What is pilates?

Pilates is a feel-good movement approach for every body. Pilates is a concept created by Joseph Pilates during World War I. Joseph himself was originally a bodybuilder and gymnast. He created this approach to exercise as a way to train both body and mind. 

There are six principles, stemming from precision and control in movement and breathing, in alignment. It’s all about optimising the function of the spine and its curves, aligning the body to evenly, distributing your weight with the least amount of stress on the joints and soft tissue. It’s about how you walk and move.

During pilates we work on posture, alignment, balance, control, breathing and strength throughout your body. There are 3 kinds of pilates classes you can choose from:

1. Traditional pilates

Emphasises the original principles developed by Joseph Pilates. Incorporates a series of controlled movements that engage both the body and the mind.

2. Slow and controlled pilates

Prioritises deliberate unhurried moments with an emphasis on controlled breathing. Aims to enhance mindfulness, promoting a mind-body connection. Often involves slower transitions between movements to intensify the muscle engagement.

3. More functional pilates

Integrates pilates principles into functional everyday movements. Focuses on improving overall body functionality and movement patterns. Often incorporates equipment and a variety of exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination to support your daily life.

So if you think you’ve given pilates a go and it’s not for you, actually you might not have found the right kind of class for you. My own classes and approach to pilates leans on all of the principles of pilates but adapts the 34 core exercises into a more functional and broad approach; we certainly don’t do all 34 exercises every week.

The benefits of pilates

Regular pilates practice can support your bones and joints. Your core muscles are multilayered; the muscles that stabilise the spine are situated deeply, and the muscles that create movement are closer to the surface. Pilates works on the trunk as a whole and uses different exercises to target the areas that need strengthening.

I first discovered pilates some 14 years ago when I wanted a class to complement my other classes. I was teaching step, aerobics, spin, and conditioning in health clubs. And I wanted to try a completely different form of movement.

I fell in love and now my whole practice and business is built around pilates - even though I’ve made a few tweaks to form the Feel-good approach. Why? I’ve watched people come to class feeling frazzled, and watched them walk out 10 feet taller, smiling and laughing. Some clients I’ve had have explored various forms of exercise; yoga, aerobics, strength training etc. but after leaving my classes, they realised pilates complimented (or was more joyful than) their training programme. For some clients, my pilates classes are the only interaction they have with like-minded people, and they need the community for their sanity.

What to expect from a pilates class

We always use our core, with engagement, control and precision during class. Some sequences use equipment to keep things varied and challenging. It’s all about creating strong lean muscles. We work to create stability and strength; mobilising joints, improving posture and creating space in your mind.

In a typical class, we’ll:

1. Warm up with some mobility of the major joints to prepare the body for movement. We also introduce conscious and controlled breathing to enhance mind body relaxation and focus.

2. Prioritise exercises that target and strengthen core muscles. Focusing on exercises to promote stability and balance.

3. Include stretches to improve flexibility and release tension in muscles.

4. Emphasise postural awareness so we’re maintaining proper alignment and protecting our form.

5. Warm down.

6. Enjoy tea, cake and a chat.

These are the core elements to a Feel-good Movement class rooted in pilates. It’s not just about the physical stuff, it’s all about boosting your sense of calm and peace of mind.

Pilates is a whole-body workout. But it’s also a treat. Building balance, control, and strength throughout your body and enabling you to do more of what you love can actually feel good. It’s a total mind-body experience. It’s perfect if you’ve been looking for a way of meeting like-minded spirits and discovering what your body is really capable of at the same time.

---

Sound good? You should join a class with the Feel-good Movement community. Here’s the timetable, pick a mat and come join us.