Manchester Physio

Pilates is a type of exercise that focuses on developing the core strength of the body. Its popularity has increased in recent years due to it being accessible for such a wide group of people and due to its many benefits.

What is Pilates

Pilates is an exercise approach aimed at strengthening the core muscles using a series of exercises which work the muscles hard while maintaining flexibility and encouraging relaxation. It was developed by Joseph Pilates who used it for both sporting people and sick patients within hospitals. It has developed now into a well-recognised form of exercise.

Benefits of Pilates

There are many benefits to Pilates from strengthening and conditioning the body to reducing aches and pains. You should find you start to notice the following benefits when taking part in Pilates:

Improved body awareness
Improve speed of recovery
Improved core stability
Increased endurance
Improved muscle control
Reduced risk of injury
Reduced muscle imbalances

Reduce pain
Improve wellbeing
Increased fitness
Reduced stress
Increased flexibility
Generate greater power output
Improved posture

Who is suitable for Pilates

Pilates is suitable for a wide ranging population. Many people come to Pilates following injury or due to pain but it is also very effective for the sporting individual to improve performance. As it is a non-impact exercise it is suitable for all age groups and throughout pregnancy. Here are list of some of the areas Pilates is useful for:

Musculoskeletal pain
Sports
Pregnancy

Musculoskeletal Pain and Pilates

Pilates is useful for helping with musculoskeletal pain as it strengthens the muscles surround joints making your body more stable and able to deal with the load placed upon it. It is also suitable for patients with pain as it is non-impact and a safe form of exercise. Common problems Pilates is useful for are:

Low back pain
Sacro-iliac pain
Shoulder problems
Neck pain
Hamstring problems

Knee and hip pain
Postural issues
Hypermobility syndrome
Weak bottom muscles
Post abdominal surgery

Sports and Pilates

Pilates and sport has been well documented in recent years and core strengthening makes up a large part of professional athletes training. This is because the benefit of having a strong core is greater power production which improves performance. Sports that benefit from Pilates include:

Rugby players
Runners
Triathletes
Footballers
Dancers

Skiers
Horse Riders
Weight lifters
Swimmers
Gymnasts

Pregnancy and Pilates

Pilates is a very safe way to continue exercising during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby. Pilates concentrates on maintaining your core and building the pelvic floor in preparation for labour, and then helps you get back the pre baby body after birth. The specific benefits to Pilates in pregnancy are:

Reduce low back pain
Help recover your pre-baby body
Prepare your body for labour
Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
Keep exercising during pregnancy
Improves posture and alignment
Improve relaxation skills
Retrain your abdominal muscles

Pilates Class Information

We currently offer Pilates classes throughout the North West.

Find out more about our Pilates classes here.

1-2-1 Pilates Sessions

If classes do not suit you or you want a very specific Pilate's session then the 1-2-1 sessions are the option to choose. These can take place any day of the week to suit you in one of or modern Pilates studios.

Find out more about our Pilates 1-2-1 sessions here.

For more information please see our Pilates section.