Pilates is a form of exercise, which intends to encourage the use of the mind to build core postural muscle strength, steadiness and suppleness leading to better and refined movement.

Pilates appeals to a wide range of people from all kinds of life and fitness levels including athletes, dancers, seniors, expecting ladies, new mum’s, and people at various stages of rehabilitation from injury. People that practice Pilates frequently report that the main benefits of pilates are becoming stronger, leaner and more graceful and efficient with their movement.

“The Pilates Guidelines” assist in conditioning the body by focusing on: proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement. Basically Pilates teaches cognizance of spinal alignment with deep core muscle recruitment which is needed for care and prevention of back stiffness, the rehabilitation of many musculoskeletal issues, and improvement of athletic and physical performance.

Pilates trains the muscles to become strong and work properly with the more superficial muscles of the body resulting in efficient, pain-free movement. With increased core strength, stability in the body is accomplished which helps with a reduction of discomfort with movement and an improvement of physical performance. The Pilates methodology concentrates on quality over quantity. Pilates exercises do not include a large amount of repetitions for each move but each exercise is done with precision. This achieves significant results in a shorter time than one would ever imagine.

Pilates exercises are performed either on a mat on the floor or on exercise kit developed by Joseph Pilates. The Pilates Matwork series utilises the padded Pilates Mat with the individuals own body as resistance in training to build strength and flexibility. Pilates Matwork can also incorporate the utilisation of a range of props eg the fitness ball, foam roller, circle, theraband, hand weights, Chi ball or Overball, strap and the Pilates pole.

Marika Scicluna is a professional Physiotherapist, Pilates instructor and owner of What is Pilates. She is passionate about educating people on the benefits of Pilates through her site.