Staying on trend: Pilates.

with a new found focus on posture, well-being awareness and basic movement principles, we look closer at the fundamentals of pilates

A question frequently asked, Pilates or Yoga for back pain?

the answer? Well, that is completely up to you.

Kyrah is our resident pilates guru, raving about it to everyone and anyone that will listen. She even has the senior men's rugby squad partaking in weekly classes, but where does it fit in and how might it help you.

The pilates repertoire has been developed with 10 core principles in mind - awareness, alignement, breathing, balance, control, centre, concentration, flow, harmony & precision. To execute each psoition or move, these 10 elements need to be considered but do not let that scare you off.

Exercises are broken down into blocks and everyone will start with foundation movements before challenging themselves to the more complex positions and placements.

Pilates works on stability and mobility simultaneously, encouraging you to work into range of motion with strength rather than forcing your way and risking injury. There is also a meditative element that arises from the body/mind connection required to keep your body in balance and your movements flowing. Breath-work will restore your focus and you will leave the session feeling lighter and more in control of your posture.

As for niggling injury or exercise limitations, the repertoire is suited to most. focussing on back and neck position, you will feel well protected in your movements while still feeling challenged in strength. it really is for everyone.

Kyrah instructs classes on Mondays at 5pm in Bishop's Stortford & Thursdays at 5.30pm in Harlow.