Pilates  
If there's one exercise style that has taken the fitness world by storm in the last few years it's pilates. Everyone is doing it — from dancers to footballers — and the benefits are said to be as much mental as they are physical. So should you give it a go?

What's it all about?
The exercises were developed back in the 1940s by a guy called Joseph Pilates who first used the yoga-like moves to rehabilitate Second World War soldiers. He then modifies the style for injured dancers and so the modern day method was born.

Different groups have added their own moves but essentially it's an exercise style that involves training your muscles to improve posture and alignment. By focusing on your core strength, you enhance the little muscles in the body so you're better able to support the larger ligaments, tendons and joints.

Why is it so good for you?
When our muscles are weak they make compensations for each other which lead to instability and injury. Take your back for instance: if your posture is bad, your lower back and hips will then adjust themselves accordingly which means they're essentially out of place.

Pilates encourages you to think about how you perform everyday movements. It heightens your body awareness which in turn improves your overall agility, flexibility and strength. It helps you ensure your body is working at its optimal level all the time.

Pilates  - Time Table  - Winter 2010 - Starting Jan 11th
Day	Class	Time	Location	Start Date
Monday	Pilates  (Beginners Level 2)	8.30 pm	Bandon GAA	Mar 1st 2010
Tuesday	Pilates  (Beginners Level 2)	7.00pm	West Gate Foundation Centre	Mar 2nd 2010
	Pilates  (Intermediate)	8.15 pm	West Gate Foundation Centre	Mar 2nd 2010
Thursday	Pilates  (Beginners Level 1)	8.15 pm	Ballincollig Community School	Mar 4th 2010
Pilates:  7 week course: €100                        ***   Booking deposit required to secure a place   ***

 

• Build strength without "bulking up" - gain long, lean muscles and flexibility
  Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.
   
• Develop a strong core - flat abdominals and a strong back
  Building on the principles of Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercises develop a strong "core," or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Control of the core is achieved by integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle.
   
• Create an evenly conditioned body and prevent sports injuries
  In conventional workouts, weak muscles tend to get weaker and strong muscles tend to get stronger. The result is muscular imbalance - a priApry cause of injury and chronic back pain. Pilates conditions the whole body, even the ankles and feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities and Sports with greater ease and less chance of injury.

The Benefits of Pilates:

• A refreshing mind-body workout
  Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body.
  
  By emphasizing proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement.
  
  The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.

• Learn efficient patterns of motion  
  Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.
  
   
• Be confident and safe
  No other exercise system is so gentle to your body while giving it a challenging workout. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing. Pilates is so safe, it is used in physical therapy facilities to rehabilitate injuries.