Pilates is suitable for everyone irrespective of age, gender, fitness level, ability or experience. Mat pilates focuses on lengthening and strengthening muscles, improving alignment and core stability. Practising Pilates facilitates better health (particularly back health) and good body awareness through the development of the mind and body connection using the breath.

Benefits of Pilates

• Better mind/body connection
• Increased core strength
• Increased muscle and joint flexibility
• Increased muscle and joint mobility
• Improved alignment and posture
• Improved deep breathing techniques
• Improved concentration
• Provides stress relief
• It helps you relax
• Improves your balance and proprioception

There is good scientific evidence that Pilates is effective in the treatment of lower back pain.

All the benefits of Pilates will help prevent back, neck and shoulder pain and will help you understand your body better so that you will want to sit correctly when working at a desk.

Author

Jane Hamilton is an experienced Pilates instructor and the owner of Jane Hamilton Pilates. She offers Pilates classes and online Pilates classes.