What is Pilates?

By now you’ve probably heard of Pilates — it has become a household name, it’s a great workout and fantastic for your core, and it helps you maximise your strength. Pilates also supports your body’s structure by balancing strength, mobility, and flexibility.

Pilates is for everybody, regardless of age, size, race, gender, or ability - Pilates can be modified to suit every level, effective for absolute beginners and professional athletes alike.

What is Pilates?

Originally called “Contrology”, this full-body exercise method was created in the early 20th century by Joseph H. Pilates.

Mr. Pilates trained and healed a number of people from all walks of life, including a number of performers. A small group of mostly performers became the gatekeepers, known as the “Elders.” Through them, the Pilates method grew, eventually becoming a household name.

Pilates is comprised of mat work and exercises on specialized — and often spring-loaded — equipment, such as the Reformer, Tower (or Cadillac), and Stability Chair. It’s a sought-after method recommended by doctors and employed by physical therapists.

It benefits people of all ages and skill levels because it’s a low-impact exercise method that aligns the body, creating strength through muscular balance and neuromuscular fine-tuning.

Pilates can be both restorative and powerful. While it’s not a heart-pumping cardio exercise, you can break a sweat while feeling your muscles work in a new way. It’s known for working the smaller, deeper, and often underused stabilising muscles that support the joints.

As a result, the challenge you feel from Pilates may be a bit different than what you’re used to feeling in the weight room or when pushing yourself hard in a spin class. Still, there’s a tremendous benefit to be had when you start Pilates.

Pilates’ long list of benefits includes improved posture, core strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as decreased back pain and stress.

A good consistent practice is meant to provide ease and power. It helps you get through your daily activities with less pain and more freedom and vitality.

Is Pilates good for beginners?

Yes, Pilates is good for beginners.

Pilates exercises work in a progressive manner, from beginner to advanced.

It’s important to listen to your body, do as much as you can, and continue to be consistent to progress further.

What you need to know when starting Pilates

Pilates works the whole body; while you’re stabilising one body part, another is moving. Some movements or ranges of motion may need to be smaller at first and increase over time as you become stronger.

Control and precision are two principles of the method. Always choose quality over quantity — and you’ll reap more beneficial effects on your body and life.

Breath, another important principle, is essential to Pilates exercises. Pilates breathing increases your lung capacity and is the precursor to movement. Every workout will and should be different. On the occasion that you feel tired, pace yourself. If appropriate, strive to do some, if not all, of the exercises to feel invigorated again.

Always consult your healthcare practitioner when embarking on a fitness program.

If you feel pain while exercising, stop and reassess. With experience and increased body awareness, you may learn to modify or skip a movement.

In general, you’ll want a Pilates instructor with substantial education and much more than weekend workshop training.

The bottom line

Pilates has numerous benefits and is a great workout for everybody.

A beginner workout not only builds a strong foundation from which to grow, but it immediately builds strength and self-awareness.

Pilates exercises can be broken down or modified to meet you at any stage of your life. A consistent practice supports and enhances your lifestyle by allowing you to move with ease, vigor, and renewed vitality.

The Workshop Castlerea - Pilates classes are Mat Pilates, using simply bodyweight in addition to a variety of small equipment like Pilates Rings & Rollers, Small Balls, Studio Weights & Resistance Bands.

My philosophy and teaching is a blend of stretch and strength, at the beginning of each class we take time to prepare for class “bring ourselves to the room”, relaxing the mind & body, so we can fully engage with body awareness, at the end of each class, we take a few minutes to relax, before returning to our day/evening.