How Pilates can help you keep those New Year Resolutions

It’s that time of year again where everyone is determined to keep their New Year’s resolutions. Unsurprisingly, some of the most common New Year’s resolutions are health and fitness orientated. The likes of “I want to get fitter”, or “I want to lose weight”, are two of the most popular.

Cycling round the park is nice in the summer, but it’s a bit bleak in January. Likewise, the gym is great at first, but the determination to go and make the most of it does wear off pretty quickly.

What people need is a new, fun way of exercising that will ultimately help them achieve their goals. This is where Pilates can thrive.

Pilates can have a range of health benefits and the NHS recognizes it as a form of physiotherapy and fitness. The main aim of Pilates is to strengthen the core muscles in the body. The routine of exercises help to work all the key muscle groups and will really help the deeper muscles that can’t just be strengthened through doing a few sit ups

Pilates is also pretty low-risk in terms of getting injured. The low impact exercises reduce the chances of making an injury worse, or gaining one and this is why it is very popular as a method of rehabilitation for athletes or people that play a lot of sport. Pilates is very popular with celebrities and anyone else looking to tighten up their tummies.

What type of Pilates classes are available?

Pilates Mat Classes

Is the more traditional form of Pilates but has been modernized to include the use of equipment such as stretch bands, foam rollers and balls. All the basic routines are performed on a mat and are designed to improve balance, flexibility and core strength.

One-to-One Pilates Classes

One-to-one Pilates classes can be a great way to start your experience if you have concerns about being “the new person” and wanting to get yourself up to speed before you join a group class. It’s also great for people who are recovering from injury, especially complex injuries. The teacher can specifically design a workout that will rehabilitate the right areas of the body, without suffering from muscular imbalance, which can in turn cause further injury.

Some people find attending their first Pilates classes a scary experience. There is no reason to be afraid! Here are a few points to ease you into the Pilates lifestyle and make your first class an enjoyable experience.

Ideally classes should be restricted to a maximum of 12 clients to ensure close supervision. Classes that run as complete courses rather than drop-in will ensures the teacher gets to know everyone’s body and can safely and progressively develop everyone. You should be asked to complete an enrolment form before joining a class, make sure you mention any current injuries, health concerns or existing conditions.

If you’re undertaking Pilates as a form of injury rehabilitation, make sure you have spoken to your doctor and your teacher is aware!

It is unlikely that you’ll have to bring equipment with you; normally all of the equipment will be provided. When dressing for your Pilates class you need to make sure that your clothes will let you move and stretch fully. Your teacher will need to be able to see your body well enough to ensure your bones and muscles are aligned and engaging, so nothing too loose. Pilates is usually done barefoot so there is no need to worry about the footwear you bring with you.

What are the health benefits of Pilates?

Pilates improves flexibility and increases muscle strength and tone, it also improves concentration, body awareness and stress management. Arguably the most important health benefit received from Pilates is all about good posture and the calming self-confidence boost that comes with it. Best of all Pilates can be tailored towards any age group.

I look forward to seeing you at class soon!