Pilates Archives - Loft Pilates

The Power of Pilates: Enhancing Posture, Easing Back Pain, and Nurturing Spinal Health

Pilates stands out as a holistic approach that not only strengthens the body but also nurtures the spine, improves posture, and alleviates back pain.

The Core of Pilates:

At the heart of Pilates lies a focus on the core – not just the superficial muscles but the deep stabilizing muscles surrounding the spine. Pilates exercises emphasise engaging the core, to create a strong foundation for movement. This emphasis on core strength has profound implications for posture and spinal health.

Posture Perfection:

Poor posture is a common modern-day affliction, often exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and extended hours spent at desks. Pilates addresses this issue by incorporating exercises that target the muscles responsible for maintaining an upright posture. By promoting awareness of body alignment and strengthening the muscles that support the spine, Pilates becomes a powerful ally in the journey towards improved posture.

Alleviating Back Pain:

Back pain can be debilitating, affecting individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Pilates, with its gentle yet effective exercises, offers a path to relief. The controlled, low-impact movements of Pilates reduce stress on the spine while targeting muscles that play a crucial role in supporting the back. Through targeted exercises, individuals can experience increased flexibility, reduced muscle tension, and a more resilient spine, contributing to the alleviation of back pain.

Spinal Health and Flexibility:

A healthy spine is synonymous with a flexible spine. Pilates exercises prioritise spinal mobility, encouraging movement in all directions – flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. This comprehensive approach ensures that the spine remains supple and adaptable, reducing the risk of stiffness, compression, and related issues.

Incorporating Pilates Into Your Routine: Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or a beginner, Pilates can be adapted to suit your needs.

Feb 1, 2024

loftpilatesadmin BLOG hip, injury, Pilates 0

Meet out Pilates Instructors : Charlotte

Pilates first popped up on my radar a couple of years ago. Funnily enough, the way that I found myself launched into the Pilates world was actually through an injury. At the time I was heavily into the gym, mainly focusing on powerlifting and Olympic lifting. Throughout this period, an unexpected hip injury lead me unable to train as heavy and as frequently as I would have liked – so I needed another solution to help me get back to this. Little did I know I would soon be hooked, and Pilates has helped me in more ways than ever, both in and out of the gym.

Since first diving into the realm of Pilates, I have come to appreciate the immense benefit it can have on anyone and everyone. If you haven’t tried it, give it a go! I can almost guarantee you will benefit from it, no matter how small or large your goals.

If I’m not in the Pilates studio or treating patients, you’ll find me outside walking my dog, in the gym, or spending time at the beach with family and friends.

Apr 4, 2019

loftpilatesadmin BLOG Pilates

Why Pilates should be part of your exercise routine

Pilates should be a part of your exercise routine because it really works! Here are a few of the major benefits of a regular Pilates practice

Mindfulness and Stress relief: Pilates requires total focus and breath control –this activates your para-sympathetic nervous system (your rest and repair system) allowing relaxation throughout the body. Movement is synchronised with breath.

Boosts energy through breath and the endorphins released from full body workout

Core activation: The core is the foundation for every exercise in the Pilates method. Pilates is the very best form of exercise to activate and strengthen the core muscles

Pain relief: building a strong core and strong muscles will support your musculo-skeletal system and provides significant pain relief particularly to lower back pain but all joint and muscle pain

Recovery from an injury with Pilates to rebuild the muscles that have been weakened through pain, injury, rest or adaptive postures.

Improved flexibility: Pilates incorporates a variety of stretching, flowing movements to mobilise your spine and lengthen your muscles.

Improved posture: Pilates targets the deep postural muscles, and promotes elongation through the spine, allowing you to stand taller.

Full-body workout: Pilates focuses on core control while training the entire body as an integrated system. Your whole body will become toned with regular Pilates.

Safe and gentle: Pilates is gentle and safe for everyone from the young to the pregnant and elderly.

Balance: Pilates exercises help to improve your balance which is great at all ages but especially for falls prevention in the elderly

Performance Enhancement: Pilates is a great way to build strength and reinforce correct movement patterns allowing more efficient movement. This will show up as better results with your chosen sport.

Aug 13, 2018