YOU ARE HOW YOU MOVE
'If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.' Joseph Pilates
Movement Control > Range of Motion > Strength > Endurance > Power
Rehabilitation exercises might be based on Pilates or a variety of other exercise modalities (calisthenics, functional movements, etc.) focusing on optimising the movements within your body: This means you develop movement control and coordination, and improve proprioception, increase the range of motion (flexibility) and improve endurance, strength and power.
A common mistake we see is that people aim for power straight away (e.g heading to the gym doing heavy weights) - however, forcing your body without the necessary body alignment, control, range and stabilising strength increases the risk of injuries and results in muscle and movement imbalances. Therefore it is essential to understand the sequential stages of rehabilitation or performance training and stage tailored exercises accordingly: Ideally, we will progress you through a training sequence which challenges all aspects of function and movement: Movement Control > Range of Motion > Strength > Endurance > Power |
Our Clinical Pilates Method at Blackheath Sports Clinic:
|
'A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy gym workouts or forced contortion.' Joseph Pilates
|
What is Pilates?
Pilates uses dynamic bodyweight exercises to realign the body, correct postural imbalances and stabilise the spine and pelvis via emphasis on core strength. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the diaphragm and muscles closest to the spine. The Pilates method is widely used to aid prevention and rehabilitation of muscle, joint and movement imbalances of the whole body placing importance on beginning movements from a central core of stability around your spine. It can be focused on problematic body areas or is used as a healthy whole-body workout (say core, arms, legs, glutes, back, etc.). If you want to improve movement control, balance, range of motion, strength, endurance or power, Pilates is a great option!
Traditional Pilates was developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, as a controlled exercise method for body and mind. Since then, health professionals have improved Pilates to reflect the latest scientific research in movement patterning, neuro-muscular timing, pathological mechanics and efficient biomechanics. Our practitioners have trained with the APPI (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute), which is the world leader in Pilates for clinical rehabilitation and incorporates the newest scientific evidence. They will progress you seamlessly through levels of difficulty and equip you with the knowledge to practice independently at home or to join a group class. |
Who is Pilates and Movement Therapy at Blackheath Clinic for?
Our skilled practitioners are able to tailor specific exercises to the need of people of all ages and levels of ability and fitness. Pilates is also a great way to keep in shape and achieve a toned healthy body without putting pressure on joints as there are no harsh impacts on you joint during these movements.
|
What are the Specific Benefits of our Pilates approach at Blackheath Clinic?
Pilates does make a real difference in your health, all without putting excess strains on your body. It is the ultimate whole body workout for building core strength and muscle tone. The specific exercise techniques teach you to optimise movements within your body so you can correct your body alignment (spinal posture and joint position) and breathing, which is central to any activity. Practice improves movement control and increases your range of motion and flexibility gradually while maintaining joint stability and a 'neutral' spine. This prevents excess forces going through your body that can result in damage. Unlike static stretches of cold muscles, Pilates provides effective dynamic stretching as you go through the movements. The principles you learn during your clinical Pilates session will soon influence the way you hold your body in everyday life as well as during strenuous activities and sports. The Pilates method also facilitates the safe development of strength, endurance and power and reduces the risk of injuries through your heightened movement control and proper body alignment. As you progress from a beginner to an advanced Pilates scholar, you will create new insights into body awareness and start moving your body efficiently as it is supposed to move. Focusing your mind on movement and breathing (like a form of active meditation), Pilates is also a great source of relief of stress and tension.
|
What are the basic 'Elements' of Pilates?
|
|
In our Blackheath Clinic we Often Prescribe Pilates and Rehabilitation Exercises for:
|
|