Most Mums lead very busy lives trying to juggle caring for their children, working and running the home and probably don’t put enough time aside for themselves. So why not consider giving your Mum a well deserved break with the perfect gift of a block of Pilates classes? This will not only help her to relax and unwind but will also help her to feel healthier and fitter.
She could start the day with a Pilates class to help boost her energy levels or take part in a Pilates class in the evening to help wind down at the end of the day.
And if you’re looking for a way to spend some quality time with your Mum, why not join too? A great activity for mothers and daughters or sons to bond with each other or for mums and dads to participate together.
As well as the physical and mental benefits, joining a group class offers the opportunity to socialise and make new friends.
So What is Pilates?
Pilates is a
physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph
Pilates. He preferred fewer, more precise movements, requiring control and
technique over increased repetition. He believed mental and physical health
were essential to one another, creating what is a method of total body
conditioning. Pilates uses correct alignment, centring, concentration, control,
precision, breathing and flowing movement (the Pilates principles) to establish
a perfect working body from the inside out.
Unlike some forms of exercise, Pilates does not
over-develop some parts of the body and neglect others. Pilates classes build
strength, flexibility and lean muscle tone with an emphasis on lengthening the
body and aligning the spine, rather than on bulking and shortening of the
muscles.
Who Can Do Pilates?
Whether you are a
senior or just starting to exercise, an elite athlete or somewhere in between,
the foundations of Pilates’ movement apply to you. Building from core strength,
focusing on proper alignment with a body/mind integrative approach makes
Pilates accessible to all.
The Pilates system allows for different
exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginner to advanced.
Intensity can be increased over time as the body conditions and adapts to the
exercises.
Because of its core focus, Pilates is popular
not only in the field of fitness, but also in rehabilitation. It can be used to
progress individuals through movements that represent their day-to-day
activities. The focus on strengthening the core and improving postural
awareness can help to alleviate the prevention of back, neck and joint
pain
What Are The Benefits of Pilates?
- Improves posture
- Develops a strong and efficient core
- Helps to relieve stress and tension
- Improves overall muscle balance
- Creates long and lean muscle tone
- Increases flexibility (including the spine)
- Improves stability and motion of the joints
- Builds better balance and co-ordination
- Helps to maintain and improve bone density
- Increases body awareness
So don’t procrastinate any longer, go ahead and treat your Mum to the perfect gift of Pilates for Mother’s Day.