Is Pilates the new antidote for anti-ageing?
Yes, yes, and yes. Everyone is always talking and considering new ways and means to fight the ageing process. You cannot read a magazine or watch a TV program, without seeing something about delaying the ageing process. Not only does almost everyone engage in a Botox and Filler regime, but we are also constantly researching and investing in weight-loss and health supplements as well as the best skincare products that we can afford. However, does anyone realize that Pilates also fights the ageing process and costs much less than any of the beauty regimes referred to here?
What makes a person look old?
Our first thoughts are about wrinkles, sagging skin or grey hair, but does anyone think about posture? Poor posture can make you look much older than you actually are! Not only does it affect your looks, but it also affects the way in which your body functions and creates pain and discomfort. Picture 2 people of the same age – let us say they are both 75 years old – standing next to each other. The one person stands tall and upright and the other person is stooped forward. The person who is stooped forward will look at least 10 years older that the tall upright person next to him or her of even age. Not even to mention that the person with the poor and stooped posture will struggle to move, whilst the person with the good posture will be able to move with ease and grace.
Why is Pilates such a great antidote to ageing then?
Pilates is one of the best anti-ageing exercise programs because it addresses such a big variety and many aspects of fitness.
The Pilates exercise regime focusses on the whole body and covers muscle strength, flexibility training, postural exercises, balance, and mobility training. It is the best 360-degree all-round training method out there.
Can everyone do Pilates?
Most people can engage in a Pilates training program, however we do suggest that you book an initial Pilates class so that your instructor can get to know your body and ensure that you are fully prepared to attend a Pilates GROUP class, if that is your goal.
If you have any injuries or any contra-indications to certain movements, then you should engage in private Pilates classes. Private Pilates classes are focused on your body and your goals, whether that may be to improve your strength and flexibility, or whether you wish to regain functionality after injury, or perhaps for better sports performance, or perhaps just to move without pain and with ease and grace.
What types of Pilates Classes do Pilates Dynamics Offer?
- Pilates Reformer STRECTCH classes:
Pilates Stretch classes are specialized instructor-led classes designed to increase range of movement, improve joint mobility, and increase flexibility through targeted full-body stretching techniques.
Quite often if stiffness and tightness is present in some muscles groups, the opposing muscles are unable to work at their maximum capacity due to the restriction of these short and tight muscle groups. These muscles need to be stretched and lengthened first to maximise the work and function of the other muscle groups.
Short muscles around joints can lead to injury, so it is important to work on lengthening the muscles and strengthening them to bring about balance, i.e., strength vs flexibility.
Benefits and key aspects of Stretch:
- Goal:To enhance flexibility, improve posture, reduce muscular tension, and promote relaxation.
- Techniques:Sessions typically include holding static stretches (15–60 seconds), dynamic movement-based stretches, myofascial release, and breathwork.
- Structure:Often begins with a gentle warm-up to increase blood flow, followed by targeted stretches for various muscle groups, and a cooldown.
- Benefits:Helps relieve backaches, decreases injury risk, improves athletic performance, and helps with relaxation.
- Variety:Classes can range from restorative, yoga-inspired sessions to more intense flexibility training, sometimes incorporating foam rollers.
- Pilates REFORMER classes:
Reformer Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout focusing on core strength, flexibility, balance and co-ordination. It involves precise movements using the Reformer and breathing techniques to enhance physical and mental wellness and awareness.
The Reformer works with springs, which provides adjustable resistance. It also has a movable (sliding) carriage, to aid motion. This method offers a broader range of exercises targeting specific muscle groups more effectively.
Resistance is adjustable, which makes this an excellent option for beginners and athletes.
Benefits:
- Improved Core strength and all over body strength as well as stability
- Improved flexibility and range of movement
- Full Body workout
- Low impact and high efficiency
- Personalized experience for private (one-on-one) clients
- Small group classes with a focus on individuality
- Injury preventative
- Improves posture
- Improves agility with age and joint longevity
- An excellent cross-training method
- Pilates MAT classes:
Pilates MAT classes is a low impact, full body workout, providing strength, improved flexibility, and enhanced posture using various small equipment for resistance like: Bands, Poles, Balls of various sizes, Bosus, Sliders, Fee Weights, Pilates Rings, Balance Pads, Balance Discs, Aerobic Steppers, Arc Barrels, etc..
The truth is that many people underestimate Mat Pilates. They think it is too gentle to make a difference or that it is only for beginners. This is a misconception and prevents them from experiencing the real, science-backed Mat Pilates benefits that transforms strength, posture, tone and overall well-being in just a few weeks.
Benefits:
- Core Strength & Stability
- Improved Posture and Alignment
- Enhanced Flexibility
- Low Impact on Joints
- Mental Well-being
- Full Body Toning
How can I book a Pilates class?
You can call us on: 072 999 2229 or email: info@pilatesdynamics.co.za to book your class. We are a fully equipped studio with all the Pilates Machines and Equipment imaginable and our private studio is set in a tropical garden environment, which makes for an exercise haven.
We offer PRIVATE and GROUP class training.
Are you a Discovery Vitality member? If you are, you will earn vitality points for every workout done at Pilates Dynamics.
**Consider Pilates the new Botox. Stay young and stay healthy. Give it a try and do something that you will thank yourself for tomorrow!**