Pilates

[pi-lah-teez]

noun 1. A system of physical conditioning involving low-impact exercises and stretches designed to strengthen muscles of the torso and often performed with specialised equipment.

Pilates, originally termed ‘Contrology’, was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates in Germany during the first-world war to rehabilitate. It incorporates elements of dance, yoga and martial arts.

Pilates was later practiced in New York by dancers and was more recently popularised as it is an exercise which can be performed by people of all ages and fitness levels with numerous benefits.

Pilates is now recommended by the NHS for rehabilitation as well as preventing injury (prehab).

It can reduce stress and improve awareness of your own body, correcting postural alignment while

complimenting exercise regimes from competitive sports through to personal fitness.