Pilates was designed initially to help people recover from injuries. While many people do use it after an injury, doing Pilates regularly will help you have a tighter tummy, better overall muscle tone and you will look leaner too.

1. Pilates improves posture:                                                                        If you have neck ache, back ache or headaches regularly and even stomach ache, most aches occur as a result of bad posture. Pilates will help you to keep in alignment, where muscles are not straining to hold your body up. Your head, hips and feet are positioned in a way to allow muscles to work effectively without putting excess strain on one muscle group over another. As you correct your posture, you will find there is less pressure on your joints such as knees and hips. You will be less likely to suffer a strain or injury too.

2. Pilates improves flexibility:                                                              Pilates focuses on movement while stretching.The more flexible you are, the less tension you will have. This will also help to improve your blood circulation.

3. Pilates will help you get a better looking body:                               With a straighter back, tighter tummy and better overall muscle tone, you will look leaner and taller. Pilates works all the muscles in your body including some of the smaller muscles that don’t get worked in other exercise regimes. You may also find that some of your body’s systems may work better. For example, you may find it easier to digest food.

4. Pilates reduces stress:                                                                       Pain and bad posture can add to your stress levels and not only does Pilates help alleviate those problems, it also helps to calm you. Pilates focuses on breathing so you become mindful of your breath, your body and muscles. It can become like a form of meditation. This will help you sleep better too.

5. Pilates helps you move more efficiently:                                      Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth continuous movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train the body to move in a safer and more efficient way. This is invaluable for injury recovery, good posture, sports performance and optimal health.

6. Pilates is gentle:                                                                                Many of the exercises are performed on the mat and are low impact and partially weight bearing which helps to improve bone density. Pilates is so safe, it is used by Physios to rehabilitate injuries.

7. Pilates is also challenging:                                                                     It is a flexible exercise system. Modifications to the exercises allow for a range of difficultly ranging from beginner to advanced. You work out at a level that suits you now and you can increase the intensity as your body conditioning improves.