Almost every health and fitness class sees an increase in numbers in the new year period as people make new years resolutions to get fit, healthy and shed any holiday-related weight gain. Pilates instructor Claire Gurney met a number of new members in January. Unlike other forms of exercise class she has taught in the past Claire has found the majority of new Pilates class members are still attending into the spring and summer months.
Why? Pilates is more than just a fitness class, whilst it can improve aspects of fitness such as core strength and co-ordination, its has additional benefits for health and wellbeing that other forms of exercise do not. Claire shares some of her examples and reasons people keep attending here:
Pilates is a form of exercise that involves concentration on technique, breathing and posture. This makes it easy to forget any worries you may have had before you came to the class. In a Pilates session you can work at your own pace and learn the movements without pressure to keep up with everyone else, allowing you to relax and improve your mental wellbeing.
Pilates focuses on the areas of the body which are often in need of strengthening, to prevent pain and injury. Pilates exercises primarily work the “core” muscles of the back, shoulders, hips and abdominals. Developing strength and flexibility in these areas can prevent back pain and other common muscle and joint problems, people often keep coming to Pilates because it helps them to feel healthier and more mobile.
Pilates classes can be easily fitted into a busy week. My classes are predominantly in the afternoon and early evening times, with mats available to borrow. Pilates is less intense than some forms of exercise, most people don’t get sweaty and need to shower straight afterwards, or to bring lots of equipment with them. Therefore its easy to attend after a morning of full day of work before you focus on the rest of your day or evening.
If you would like to join a class contact Claire here.
