CLINICAL PILATES
Our Alevia Health and Wellness Centre in London offers innovative and safe Pilates classes using a system of mind-body exercises and floor mats to help you get fit and stay fit.
Pilates is a unique system of exercise that aims to stretch and strengthen the whole body in order to improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance and posture. Developed by German-born, Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s, Pilates incorporates certain elements of martial arts, yoga and other forms of exercise. Today Pilates is becoming an increasingly popular form of exercise around the world and is even practiced by professional athletes and movie stars alike.
More than just Abs
Pilates works on the whole body and does not under or over train muscles allowing you to enjoy your daily and sporting activities with greater ease, better performance and less chance of injury.
Fitter, Happier and more Productive
According to Joseph Pilates “physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness” and the exercises he developed not only improves the strength of your body but also reduces stress levels, relieves tension and greatly impacts the overall quality of your life.
What is Unique about Pilates?
Many consider Pilates unique for the six principles that define the Pilates approach to exercise.
These principles are:
Concentration: Pilates demands your full attention. Concentrating on the movements of your body allows you to obtain the maximum benefit from each exercise. In Pilates how you do the exercise is crucial.
Centering: The focal point of Pilates is the centre of your body, the core area between the lower ribs and pubic bone. Often referred to as the powerhouse, strengthening this area will positively impact the development of other muscles in your body.
Control: Every Pilates exercise is done with the aim of achieving complete muscular control. In Pilates control is considered more important than intensity and repetition.
Precision: Pilates emphasizes the importance of precise movements and alignments for increased benefit.
Breath: Most Pilates exercises coordinate with your breath. Proper breathing is the key to enhancing the effects of the exercise.
Flow: Pilates exercises flow from one to another. Fluidity and grace are emphasized as they demonstrate control and increase strength and stamina.