Angela is a fully qualified STOTT Pilates instructor. She is available to offer 1 to 1 home and group (up to 3) based Pilates Instuction. If you are interested in booking a Pilates session with Angela or would like futher information, please ring on 07766 984381 or email info@physically-fit.co.uk
WHO IS PILATES?
Pilates is named after its inventor, Joseph Pilates who formulated the exercise in the 1920’s. Joseph Pilates was born near Dusseldorf, Germany in 1880. As a child he suffered from many illnesses such as asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever.
He worked hard to overcome his symptoms through physical activities, including gymnastics, skiing, and diving. He improved so much that by the time he was 14 years old he was used as a model for anatomy charts. When he was 31 he moved to England where he became a boxer, a circus performer and a self-defence trainer.
WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates is essentially a combination of t’ai chi and yoga. The quality of movement of Pilates is very similar to t’ai chi and many positions in Pilates are influenced by Yoga.
So, what makes Pilates different from both, it is the focus on the body’s centre or ‘core strength.’ Core strength emanated from the muscles that lie from the pelvis into the rib cage and diaphragm. These muscles work to maintain posture and support the spinal column and pelvis.
BENEFITS OF PILATES FOR THE NEW MUM AND MUM TO BE
Many Pilate’s moves can be used to benefit new mums and mum’s to be, enabling you to maintain good posture. Pilates can help to alleviate some of the recurrent aches and pains and become more aware bodily changes. The Pilates technique also allows the mum to be to follow a safe and effective exercise program throughout the whole pregnancy, one which can be adapted to meet the current stages of pregnancy and day to day energy levels, as well as the new mum regain her shape and stomach muscles from being pregnant.
Pilate’s exercises provide an ideal preparation for the body before labour and play an important role in the body’s recovery after labour. Practicing Pilates on a regular basis can:
- Increase abdominal strength – thus providing support for the weight of the uterus and baby
- Aids Child birth by making the pelvic floor muscles stringer and giving the mother greater body awareness
- Increase stamina
- Create stronger and more tones abdominal muscles that are less likely to separate severely. If separation does occur, muscles will realign more quickly.
- Promote good posture and strong core strength which can help to control to amount of pelvic tilt. Excessive pelvic tilt can create posture problems and cause lower back pain.
- Aid relaxation
- Improve circulation
- Reduce general aches and pains by improving posture
- Aids breathing in labour and reduce shortness of breathe during pregnancy
- Quickens post natal recovery