In Pilates, we work the pelvic floor muscles together with the deep abdominal muscles and muscles alongside your spine (multifidus), to stabilise your trunk. We call this action centring and it is one of our basic principles. By strengthening these muscles, they are better able to support your back and can help you manage or … More Centring

Joseph Pilates was passionate about the benefits of learning how to breathe efficiently. He said: “Before any real benefit can be derived from physical exercises, one must first learn how to breathe properly. Our very life depends on it.” Breathing for Pilates In Pilates, breathing is one of our basic principles. We practise lateral or … More Breathing

The first basic principle is alignment, which refers to bringing your body into its ideal posture, where your joints are in their optimal position in relation to each other and your muscles are doing the minimum amount of work to hold them there. Without good alignment, you risk extra wear and tear on your joints … More Alignment

Different Pilates schools have different sets of guiding principles. I like to start with these three, which are easy to remember as ABC, they are: Alignment Breathing Centring Joseph Pilates used six: Precision Breathing Centring Control Coordination Flowing Movements He did not mention alignment, but I think that this is covered within the principle of … More Basic Principles

In a recent article The Diet And Beauty Secrets That Charlize Theron Lives By, Charlize admits to being a Pilates junkie, saying: “It’s totally changed my body.” When it comes to physical activity and cheat days, she says: “I’m always calculating my activity. If I haven’t been moving a lot, I can’t eat a lot. … More Pilates celebs: Charlize Theron

Instead of your Joe Wicks, Les Mills On Demand, latest Celeb bandwagon, Peloton, go find the instructors who support you week in, week out. The instructors who ask how your day’s been… The instructors who ask how the kids/family are… The instructors who give you help and advice at the drop of a hat… The … More Support your Local Instructor

Thank you for completing the brief survey included with your annual renewal forms. I’ve collated your responses in this post. I’ve paraphrased your answers to keep them anonymous. The average difficulty ratings that you gave for your classes were: Monday 9.15am 5.7 Monday 6pm 7.0 Monday 7pm 6.0 Monday 8pm 6.6 You said that the … More Survey Responses 2021

In July, 1960s fashion icon Twiggy, told Lorraine Kelly on Good Morning Britain, that facials every six months, Pilates and looking after her children and grandchildren helped “keep her together.” I’m doing Pilates, which I love but I’m not that high maintenance Viewers shared Lorraine’s amazement, saying Twiggy looked incredible her age. Read more from … More Pilates celebs: Twiggy

My ability to do the exercise routine slowly but continuously improved from session to session. I was getting stronger. I was moving better, and my posture was improving. I was enjoying the feeling of wellbeing. John Howard Steel, from his book Caged Lion