What is pilates?
Pilates is a form of body-conditioning. The exercises focus on increasing strength, particularly in the core, improving posture and deveoping flexibility and mobility.
A little history..
The pilates method is not a new age phenomenon and has in fact been around for over 80 years.
Its founder, Joseph Pilates was born in 1880 in Germany. He grew up plagued with a number of different ailments such as rickets and asthma. He was really badly bullied and even lost complete sight in his left eye due to a stone being thrown at him! All these things just fuelled his motivation to become healthier. Joseph developed an exercise programme that assisted in restoring him to health and through his programme he gained enough strength to become an accomplished body-builder, skier, and gymnast. At age 32, Joseph moved to England where he used his skills as a professional boxer to teach self-defence to the police force.
Joseph believed that our modern lifestyle, bad posture and inefficient breathing were the roots of ill health. Charmed by the classical Greek ideal of a man who was balanced equally in body, mind, and spirit, he studied ancient greek and roman fitness practises, eastern disciplines of Yoga and tai chi, anatomy books and even animal movement. With this knowledge, he developed a system of exercises which were intended to strengthen the human mind and body, which he called Contrology.
On the outbreak of WW1, the British interned him as a German enemy alien. During that time he trained other interns, many of whom needed serious rehabilitation.
Following the war, he moved to America and on the journey over he met Clara, his future wife. Together they established a studio in New York. His new method was an instant hit, particularly among dancers, which helped them to recover from injuries and to prevent their recurrence.
The slow controlled flowing movements primarily strengthen the core muscles that stabilise and support the spine, realign the body and help correct postural problems. The method brings mind and body together, focusing strongly on total concentration, balance, precision and breathing. The original name of this unique method was changed from 'Contrology' to Pilates after his death in 1967 .
Joseph Pilates did not live to see his legacy blossom but he was devoted in his belief that everyone should do it as part of a healthy, vibrant life. Why? It’s quite simple. The exercises help almost everything in your body function better!
Modern Pilates
Today Pilates has become very popular with the general public of all ages and levels of fitness, some of whom have never embarked upon any form of physical fitness regime before. As there was the realisation that the traditional approach to Pilates may be unsuitable for the general population, adaptations, modifications and progressions have been introduced to cater for lots of different needs.
Significant lifestyle changes in the last 30 years have meant that postural problems are more prevalent now and there is increase in the numbers of the ageing population with medical issues. Although many of the principles of pilates have remained the same, focus is now centred on mastering optimal alignment or neutral spine when performing the exercises. This protects the spine and encourages good posture, reducing risk of injury and medical issues later in life.
Mat-based Pilates classes are now a regular session on studio timetables and the adapted and modified versions of the exercises are also used widely by personal trainers, physiotherapists and osteopaths. This means that most of the 34 exercises are achievable through modifications and many different adaptations are used by trainers so that they are available for all skill levels.
Pilates at LYC
At LYC, we teach exercise classes based on the principles of pilates. Some of the classic pilates movements have been modernised and fused with other types of exercise such as interval training, yoga and in some cases dance.
The fundamentals remain the same; engagement of the core and pelvic floor, practising breathing patterns and maintaining pilates posture. Also emphasising key pilates principles such as control, focus, and balance. However, the movements themselves have been adapted and blended with other forms of exercise, so each class has its own pace and purpose.
Atmosphere, energy and music are a huge part of each workout whether that is winding down with some peaceful mindfulness and stretching in our MIND class or getting that blood pumping in our motivational SCULPT class. There is something for everyone and every body. Please see our classes page for more info.
Why choose pilates?
Pilates
is a low impact form of exercise that focuses on using bodyweight resistance. This type of exercise involves movements that put minimal strain and pressure on your body and joints making it suitable for a wide range of people including those with arthritis, previous injury, joint pain, back ache, and so much more. Whether you are totally new to exercise or you are an athlete in need of physical therapy, pilates is all-inclusive. Suitable for everyone, all exercises can be adapted to all levels of fitness and modified to be comfortable for individual bodies.
is a full body conditioning system designed to develop and improve strength, flexibility, posture and coordination. Unlike many training programs, Pilates works the whole body, emphasizing control, precision and concentration in both the mind and the body. Movements are not performed rapidly or repeated excessively, instead, the focus is on quality not quantity. The abdominal muscles, lower back and buttocks ("powerhouse") serve as the centre of all movement, allowing the rest of the body to move freely. This focus on core stabilisation strengthens from the inside out allowing your movement to be more efficient and powerful.
is adaptable based on the individual and on the individual’s fitness level. Pilates can be quiet and gentle or rigorous and challenging. Typically, the way the class is structured raises your heart rate slowly allowing your body to adjust comfortably so it is not forced to brace itself for impact. Having said that, just because you're doing a low-impact workout doesn't necessarily mean you aren't breaking a sweat. Pilates might be low-impact but it can be high-intensity. The beauty of the exercises lies in the layering. Each movement has increasingly challenging 'layers' giving you the flexibility to work as hard or as gently as you like. At LYC you will never be pushed to do anything you don't want to do. The purpose is to achieve your goals by working at a pace dictated by you and your body. Instructors are there to encourage, motivate and support you.
is the solution. It is common to view pilates as 'the problem solver' exercise. This may sound an exaggeration but pilates has the power to fix you! Whether you have a physical problem like a niggling ache, previous injury, or pain from your type of work, or if you are in need of some self-care; pilates can boost your confidence, relieve stress and anxiety and improve your all round health. The limits are endless. At LYC we are huge advocates for self-care, love and confidence. We truly believe you can achieve all this through regular pilates.
Is it for me?
Since COVID 19 people have been working from home a lot more, meaning they are less active and sitting at a desk or table for long periods of time. Spending long periods of time in this position can result in poor posture which creates that 'hunched' rounded shoulder causing you neck and back pain or stiffness. The legs are bent which shortens the muscles in the legs, resulting in tighter, less flexible hamstrings. The back takes over and bears the weight as the core becomes weaker. Even soreness in the over-active wrists and the static ankles can arise.
Pilates focuses on strengthening the core which takes the strain off the back. It stretches the shorter, tighter muscles and reverses postural problems by extending and mobilising the spine and joints.
Or do you work in a job where you are really physical all day, but it is causing you aches and pains, affecting your posture and your ability to stand for long periods of time? This can have a negative impact on your health and can also be really de-motivating to exercise, as lets be real, the last thing you want to do after a long day on your feet is go to an exercise class... did someone say Netflix and pizza?
However, pilates is not an uncomfortable, sweaty and mindless chore like some other exercises can be. Pilates provides time and opportunity to stretch out those sore muscles, work on strengthening the core taking the weight off the back and feet and improve your stamina so that you are more capable. Plus, our classes are designed specifically to give you that physical and mental TLC your body need after a long day.
Joseph pilates once said 'you are only as young as your spine is flexible' and it is so true! Whether you are in your mid twenties watching teenagers play football thinking 'I used to have stamina like that!' or in your 30s or 40s suddenly having random aches or hearing clicks when you move thinking 'when did I get so old?' or in your 50d and 60s thinking 'its too late to start'...it's not. Pilates is suitable for any age. We are all working towards the same goals...to feel more confident, more able, fitter and healthier. Pilates can help you restore that energy, rejuvenate your body and improve your confidence no matter what your age.
...I have an injury
...I don't like the gym
....I don't have time
...I don't know what I'm doing
...It makes me anxious
...I don't like getting sweaty
There are so many perceived barriers to exercise. At LYC we understand the obstacles that you might see as deal breakers but we see them as opportunities! Opportunity to help, guide and motivate you to reach your goals and overcome your worries. Pilates is a form of exercise available to everyone. At LYC we support you to overcome these obstacles in a private, peaceful studio, welcomed by a professional, friendly and understanding trainer. So what are you waiting for?
I can't exercise because...
I sit down all day...
My job is physical.. I'm too tired
I just 'feel older'...
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