What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise initially devised by Joseph Pilates in Germany. He studied dance, gymnastics, and bodybuilding, developing skills for rehabilitating injured and unwell soldiers and prisoners during WWI. Later, he opened his own dance and Pilates studio in America.
Pilates is a low-impact, matwork-based exercise method that focuses on core stability and mobility, helping to fine-tune movement patterns. It is widely renowned for its multiple benefits, aiming to improve and maintain good posture, strength, mobility, flexibility, endurance, and stamina. Whether you need more flexibility in your golf swing, wish to increase your swimming endurance, or simply want to improve your joint alignment, posture, and fitness as you age, Pilates could help you.
What are the benefits?
It is an essential component for injury prevention in many sports, as well as maintaining and improving mobility and strength for both young and aging bodies. As a low-impact, weight-bearing, gentle exercise style performed in various positions, it is never too late to start practicing. Pilates can be beneficial for age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. It can improve your balance and movement, protecting against the risk of falling. It can also enhance joint and muscle flexibility, allowing us to bend down to the floor, reach into high spaces, or turn to look over our shoulders. Additionally, it can improve muscle strength and stamina, enabling us to walk further for longer, play with grandchildren, stand up from a chair, or climb stairs.
Bone density becomes even more important as we age, and by participating in weight-bearing resistance training, bone density can improve. This minimizes fracture risk and keeps bones strong and healthy!
Pilates movements require a mindful approach and can help improve your coordination, cognitive function, and mood. It also helps improve breathing efficiency. It may seem strange, but breathing well and with control is a skill, and here you can learn how to improve your breathing skills and feel the benefits to your fitness and everyday movement.
It's for all ages!
Getting older shouldn’t be a barrier to exercise! Pilates is an excellent choice for keeping you fit and active and is beneficial in many ways to your mind and body in later years. Classes are always varied, with exercises performed in different positions, using body weight or small pieces of equipment to build strength and provide challenge and variation.
What are the classes like?
Our group classes are fun and a great way to socialise and meet new people. However, we know that group classes aren't for everyone so we also offer one to one sessions which are more targeted and tailored to the individual.
Whatever your needs, you can be sure that Pilates can help you in your journey and aim towards your goals. If you are feeling the effects of getting older, it can be a good way to support you and slow the natural effects of aging on your joints and muscles.
How do I book a class?
Why not start 2025 as you mean to go on… get in good shape and lead a healthy lifestyle! Move more! Live longer! Here at Action First we have a range of classes to suit all abilities, including seated classes for those who struggle to get down onto a mat. We currently have space on most of our classes.
Take a look at our weekly schedule to see if any of the classes would work for you, to help your body be the best it can be!
Speak to us on reception or contact us via the online form
Want to find out more?
This site lists more benefits of Pilates. 20 Benefits of Pilates Backed by Science
Our Yoga and Pilates Page includes more information, including videos starring Harriet, one of our Pilates instructors, who shows you around our class studio, explains a bit more about the benefits of Pilates and what a class might look like!
