Two new one-to-one exercise classes, Pilates and Core Stability, are being held at the Rugby Osteopathic Centre. The aim will be to give people a choice between two forms of recommended rehabilitation classes run on an individual basis. This will enable the instructor to tailor the class to your ability.

These classes are held by Anne Simonsen, and you can visit her own web page here:

www.inshapewithanne.co.uk

Pilates

How can Pilates benefit me?

Sometimes, due to injury, repetitive movements, pregnancy or poor posture, your stabilizing muscles can become weakened resulting in conditions like backache, neck and upper back pain, muscle tightness and poor overall flexibility.
Pilates exercises strengthen weakened muscles and help to lengthen tight, overworked muscles.
With time and practice you can:

• Flatten your stomach
• Strengthen your back
• Improve your posture
• Increase your general flexibility
• Reduce tension and feelings of stress
• Improve your breathing pattern

Pilates and pregnancy

Many women want to continue to exercise during pregnancy, but are concerned that
Physical exertion could cause harm to their unborn baby and indeed themselves.

Because pilates is a gentle low impact form of exercise, it is considered one of the best forms of exercise for a pregnant woman.

And because pilates helps maintain and improve the condition of both your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, it is not only a safe form of exercise while pregnant, but can be hugely beneficial.

Why you are never too old to try Pilates

As our bodies age we tend to exercise less, and the less exercise we do, the harder it is to start again.

But the older we get, the more important exercise becomes.

Problems associated with poor posture, being overweight and poor muscle tone worsen with age, and knock-on effects such as aches and pains, osteoporosis, poor circulation, insomnia and lack of energy can become even more problematic.

The good news is that pilates is a safe form of exercise for all ages and is particularly suitable for people who haven't exercised in a while.

Pilates in later life

Pilates is a gentle form of exercise that won't leave you 'puffed out' and thus avoids placing stress on your heart and lungs.

But just because pilates doesn't conform to the 'no pain no gain' mentality of other exercise regimes, don't think that it isn't an excellent route to increased fitness.

Working at your own pace, you will build up your stamina, strength and flexibility; stretching, lengthening and strengthening muscles as you do so. And because pilates exercises are performed with precision and control, the risk of injury is greatly reduced too.

Re-Energize your life

The principle objective of pilates is to build abdominal, back and pelvic strength resulting in body toning and improved posture.

Many medical experts believe that when the body is balanced with good posture and good core muscle support, the involuntary body functions such as breathing, digestion and bowel function also benefit.

Breathing techniques are also an important part of Pilates, helping the delivery of oxygen to the body as well as boosting your energy levels.

And because a pilates session will leave you feeling relaxed and energized, your mental wellbeing will improve alongside your physical wellbeing.

Pilates, Arthritis and Osteoporosis

Pilates is especially effective at relieving back pain, joint
inflammation, swelling, arthritis, and tension throughout the body.

After a few sessions your range of movement will increase and you will notice a reduction in swelling and inflammation.

By improving your blood circulation, there are add-on benefits such as an improvement in bone density - important not only for those already suffering from osteoporosis, but also for those wishing to avoid it.

And it's “A Great Way To Make New Friends!”

• Reducing pain
• Improving posture
• Preventing sports injuries
• Improving performance