Pilates Classes

Pilates is an exercise and movement technique developed by Joseph Pilates, born in Germany of Greek parents in 1880. As a child he suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He was determined to overcome his ailments and studies a wide range of exercise programmes. By the time he was a teenager, he had become very fit and able to perform as a gymnast and circus performer.

The technique concentrates on building strong, lithe muscles for optimum functioning of the body with the emphasis on using correct body alignment. It links movement with breathing, helping to integrate mind and body and leading to fluidity of movement and improved muscle balance by releasing tension. This, in turn, leads to increased flexibility and mobility and helps correct postural problems.

The focus of Pilates is to build a strong centre to help support the spine. The nature of the exercises enables people to work around injuries and help support the affected area by strengthening the surrounding musculature. A range of rehabilitation exercises have also been developed to address particular problems and to enable participants to exercise without putting undue stress on the site of injury.

All the exercises are designed to concentrate on linking the breath to particular movements and stretching and strengthening the body. On the surface, the exercises appear quite simple but if done correctly work deeply and are very corrective.

Mats will be provided, but please bring a towel with you and a strap (yoga strap, dressing gown belt or similar) which will be used for some of the stretches, a pair of socks and a bottle of water if you wish.

Physio for All Pilates classes are held in Chelsea and Battersea. In Chelsea there is a maximum of four in a class and one on one sessions can be arranged. In Battersea we will never have more than 10 in a class and the emphasis is still put on personal attention. For further details please call Physio for All in Battersea or Chelsea.