My Mat Pilates

PILATES OVERVIEW

Pilates encompasses six core principles: Breathing, Concentration, Centering, Control, Precision, and Flow.  It engages all three planes of motion:

1. Sagittal Plane
2. Frontal/Coronal Plane
3. Transverse Plane

Mat Pilates is the most accessible form, as it can be practiced almost anywhere with minimal to no equipment, yet it remains a challenging discipline.

Pilates is a type of strength training that emphasizes muscle tone, core stability and endurance.

Due to its low-impact nature, Pilates is considered one of the optimal exercises for aiding in the recovery of sports injuries, rehabilitation, addressing the body's prolonged wear and tear, and combating decreased strength, flexibility, and mobility that also comes with aging.

Why I chose Pilates?

My Pilates journey began many years ago.

In my youth, I frequented the gym, lifting weights and engaging in high-intensity exercises embracing the world of health and fitness but as the years went by, I found it harder to keep engaging in these activities and my body was showing me that I had limitations which I was not ready for.

I was always chasing the latest diets and fitness trends but eventually, I realized that approach was not suitable for me, often yielding no results.

A change was necessary...

Initially, I turned to Yoga, cherishing the benefits of stretching various muscle groups.  I enjoyed long walks and short jogs, appreciating the physical and emotional rewards of activity, whether in a gym or amidst nature.

The need to alter my routine arose when I noticed my body's limited performance, leading to the abrupt end of my jogging days.  Suffering from intense hip and lower back pain, which at times prevented me from getting out of bed, I sought non-medicinal solutions.  My research pointed me towards stretching, which naturally led me to Pilates. Years of practice revealed the importance of maintaining mobility, strength, and flexibility as we age.  As children, we're inherently active and agile, but adulthood often diminishes our playfulness and energy, reducing movement and flexibility.

Years later, my passion for Pilates has grown, leading me to share its benefits with others. Taking a bold step, I became a fully qualified Pilates Instructor and Personal Trainer, offering classes locally and inviting everyone to join me on the mat. I've also returned to jogging, a beloved activity, managing slow-paced runs up to 5km one to two times a week.   My current goal is to reach 10km.   

I hold the belief that we should always have a goal; upon achieving it, we set another, and the cycle continues.

Take the leap today and start your own Pilates journey!