1. FLATTEN, TONE AND STRENGTHEN ABS

Instead of doing endless sit–ups, lower repetitions of exercises are performed with more control. This (combined with a focus on torso stability throughout your workout and your everyday life) is what makes Pilates famous for yielding strong, flat abdominal muscles.

2. LONGER, LEANER MUSCLES

Because of its aesthetic streamlining effects, magazines like Vogue and Elle have been hot on the trail of this method of exercise.  Balancing strength with flexibility not only allows you to achieve a long lean look, it allows your body to move with ease.

3. IMPROVING POSTURE

Unlike Joseph Pilates’ original teachings and conventional fitness programmes which promote a flat spine, the aim of Pilates is to recognise and restore the important shock- absorbing features of the spine’s natural curves.

4. PREVENT INJURY

In addition to increasing flexibility, Pilates exercises strengthen muscles concentrically and eccentrically (resistance on both the ‘in and out’ movement).  This in turn improves muscular control which prevents injuries that commonly occur upon impact such as landing when jogging or doing aerobics.

5. INCREASE CIRCULATION, RELIEVE TENSION

A continual emphasis on breathing not only oxygenates the blood and replenishes cells throughout the body, it also increases blood flow to the brain which helps with focus, concentration and has a revitalizing effect.

6. ENHANCE BODY AWARENESS

By identifying and strengthening the body’s deeper support system – the muscles of the torso - you learn how to move efficiently. Walking, running and even answering the phone become the easy-to-accomplish tasks they should be.

7. BALANCE STRENGTH WITH FLEXIBILITY

Pilates works on re-balancing the muscle strength and flexibility around the joints to work effectively and reduce the chance of injury.

8. HEIGHTEN CONCENTRATION

This is no mindless exercise programme!  By being conscious of your muscles and how to control them, you gradually strengthen the powerful mind-body connection. This heightened awareness and focus carries over into everyday life.

9. ENHANCE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

Dancers have sworn by pilates-based exercise for years because of the precision performance, focus and injury prevention they achieve. More recently, professional and amateur golfers, horse riders, runners, rugby players and the like have noticed a marked difference in their sporting abilities.

10. BOOST SELF ESTEEM

Because this method of exercise feels so good to do and yields noticeable results, you’ll feel great about yourself!