Why Pilates for Children?
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps to build strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination without adding any muscle bulk. Pilates is the brainchild of a German doctor Joseph H. Pilates. He came up with several exercises and equipment for helping immobilized soldiers during the World War I.
In addition, he also developed some mat and machine exercises that focuses on strengthening the torso and balancing muscle groups for optimum movement and reduced stress on the body’s joints.
What are the benefits of Pilates for Kids and Teens?
1.Increases flexibility. Children need to be flexible to perform various daily activities. Pilates exercise Pilates help to keep a child’s muscle and tension limber.
2.Improves Concentration. While performing the Pilates positions your child will need to focus on keeping parts of his/her body still, whilst moving other parts or limbs. Pilates can help improve his/her concentration that will boost his/her performance in both academics and sports.
3.Helps strengthen the muscles. The controlled movement in Pilates improves blood circulation and strengthen the body’s core muscles. A strong core and trunk helps a child to conserve their energy and be more attentive to their schoolwork. This also helps with improved athletic performance and a reduced risk of injury.
4.Corrects the posture. Kids these days are glued to television and computer screens for long hours which adversely affect their posture. It also leads to recurrent neck, back, and hip, problems during adulthood. Kids who do Pilates regularly also have better spinal alignment.
5.Pilates improves Neuromuscular re-education, which is to improve co-ordination, balance & proprioception (the sense of knowing where one’s body parts are in space and the amount of effort employed in the movement), and consists of training or re-training the muscles, brain, and nerves used to communicate with one another to improve movement, strength, balance and function.
6.Improved Confidence. Kids with a good posture and coordination, sense of balance & proprioception, and improved movement abilities are far more comfortable with and in their own bodies than those of kids and teens who do not have these abilities.
Why send your Kids and Teens for Pilates to Pilates Dynamics?
We have worked with different kids from different backgrounds and if your kids fall under any of the categories below, they are in safe hands at Pilates Dynamics.
Sporty Kids & Teens: Children and teens who play sports that involve extreme flexibility and range of movement will benefit from Pilates – hockey, tennis, rowing, basketball, swimming and rugby players can strengthen their bodies and help prevent injuries by doing Pilates a few times a week. It can also help them recover more quickly if an injury does occur.
Dancing Kids & Teens: Pilates was used from its earliest days of conception at dance camps and employed by some of the top ballet dancers in several countries. It’s the ideal exercise routine to add to any dancer’s repertoire, adding strength and balance. If your child or teen is into ballet, hip hop, tap, modern or other dance styles, Pilates could be a perfect companion activity.
Inactive Kids & Teens: Children and teens who don’t have a sport or other active passions can find a perfect exercise option in Pilates. The exercises are achievable for all body types and strengths.
Challenged Kids & Teens: Children with motor control issues, kids who are in occupational therapy, or those undergoing physical therapy whether for rehabilitative purposes or to correct an existing issue can benefit greatly from Pilates. Originally called “Contrology” by Joseph Pilates himself, this activity can strengthen muscles, improve balance and posture, and enhance their self-discipline.
Group classes have a maximum of 8 children in a group class, so individual attention is guaranteed.
Are the trainers/instructors at Pilates Dynamics properly qualified to deal with Children (Kids) and Teens Pilates?
Pilates Dynamics is an Internationally aligned education and training boutique pilates facility and we pride ourselves of the fact that all our instructors are certified and properly qualified and experienced, so we assure you that your children are in safe hands.
We also work with Physiotherapist; Chiropractor; Occupational Therapists; and other Medical Therapist referrals.
WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION PROCESS? (How do I sign up?):
Group classes are sold per school term. You can contact us on 011-792 5459 or 072 999 2229 or contact us on info@pilatesdynamics.co.za to book a class. You can also visit us on: www.pilatesdynamics.co.za
