In my quest to get fit, I recently came across some pilates classes and I was ecstatic to find out that there was a woman’s only session which wasn’t too far from home. So I signed up immediately.
To be honest I didn’t know much about pilates…..it was the fact that it was women only that initially tempted me. Following a shoutout on my Facebook about pilates a lot of my friends couldn’t recommend it enough.
So what is pilates?
There are 6 pilates principles:
- Centering
- Concentration
- Control
- Precision
- Breath
- Flow
Pilates is all about strengthening your core muscles to help improve your general health and fitness. The exercises are done on a mat and items such as a ball and a band are generally used.
The exercises are gentle and my instructor shows you two to three ways of doing them so you can adjust the difficulty level to what suits you. I actually find pilates relaxing. It relaxes your mind and body. You have to shut everything out and focus entirely on your exercise to get them right and get the most out of the session. Movements are gentle as the focus is on completing the exercises in slow, smooth and flowing movements and with complete control. In addition to this you also need to focus on your breathing. You really need to concentrate to get the exercise right and to breathe correctly. Although the movements are slow and gentle, this does not mean you are not getting a work out – I generally feel it after 48 hours.
One of the things that you need to be aware of in pilates is your breathing. Focusing on your breathing helps make the movements more fluid and gives you a better workout. I must admit this is one of my weaknesses…I often find myself holding my breath in a middle of an exercise or not breathing in tune with the exercises but I am slowly improving and getting a better breathing technique.
What I love about pilates is that although it focus’s on core strength, your whole body is given a work out. However if your main aim is to lose weight then it is best to add some areobic exercises to your routine along with pilates.
Some research seems to indicate that pilates can help with lower back pain. I suffer from lower back pain randomly since having children and I do believe pilates is helping with that as I don’t seem to experience it as often.
I have been going since January and I can see myself continuing this into the forseeable future.
Have you got any local pilates classes near you? Why not give it a try?
Hello!
I have been looking for a Pilates class near me but they are all at awkward times. I will keep searching as I have been looking into it for a while now and always suffer from lower back pain!
Mary Louise recently posted…Country Living
I’ve been looking into joining a pilates class for a while but was a bit reluctant as I wasn’t sure what was involved. Your post is lovely and clear, and has given me a better idea of what to expect. May sign up to one near me now, thank you!
I used to regularly do Pilates when I was at work as we had a gym. It is something that I need to get back in to
I tried pilates and thought it was great, especially as I often have back problems. The only issue is trying to fit it in, but I think it would be a real asset to my life! Glad you are enjoying it.
Sarah Ebner recently posted…A boat in the Norfolk Broads (by Robert)
I’ve tried Pilates (and liked it), but I’ve settled on Iyengar yoga which takes time to get into the poses properly and then hold them, so it’s similar.
Erica Price recently posted…Gazillion Bubbles Tornado Machine Review
I love the idea of pilates but I always worry that if I go along to a class that everyone else will be amazing at it already and I won’t have a clue x x
I have never tried Pilates class, But I would like to attend any day! Thanks for sharing with us! š
I did take Pilates classes last year, as after being with Georgie in the hospital for so many months, my body couldn’t cope with any other form of exercise. I love it, so gentle yet so efficient.
To be true I never tried Foz. But it sounds like something I would enjoy doing. I’ll check next year, as I know they do propose some classes in my area.
Glad to know you are finding it useful and good for you.
Ooh I think this would be great for me. I need to get fit but not necessarily lose weight. I find yoga difficult, I wonder if this is easier… x
Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours recently posted…Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks & Friendship Games Movie Box Set Giveaway