Pilates was developed by a guy called Joe in the 20th century, as a way of exercising to alleviate ill health. It focuses on improving flexibility, strength, control and endurance, with emphasis on breathing, developing core muscles, coordination and balance.
The evidence for pilates is building, with benefits including lowering blood pressure, reducing artery stiffness, improving functional movement, reducing chronic pain (especially for lower back), reducing scoliosis, and reducing weight.
To get started, consider trying the many free videos on Youtube, or a local studio who is offering online classes. When we re-open our Osana Cremorne clinic classes, we have a reformer pilates machine and will take members through.
References:
- https://consumer.healthday.com/cardiovascular-health-information-20/exercise-pilates-746/pilates-may-be-good-medicine-for-high-blood-pressure-756342.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates
- https://www.tonepilates.ca/blog/the-science-on-pilates-how-effective/
- https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/phi-natural-therapies-submissions-containerpage/$file/scientific%20evidence.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666467/