What is Pilates and Core Stability?

Pilates is an exercise technique that works on the core stabilising muscles resulting in muscle balance, flexibility and improved posture.  A stable core provides the foundation for all day to day activity. Pilates focuses on stability in the lower back and pelvis region and the neck, upper back and shoulder blade region. Improved stability in these regions results in improved posture and provides a stable base from which the body can move.

 Common complaaints that can attributable to a lack of core stability include:

• Low back pain 
• Leg pain 
• Shoulder and neck tension
• Groin pain
• Hamstring tightness

Research has shown that when we are in pain the muscles in the low back/pelvis and the neck/upper back/shoulder blade areas find it difficult to 'switch on' at appropriate times during activity and this in turn leads to a breakdown in the stabalising muscle system. When the pain has gone, the way these muscles 'switch on' does not always spontaneously recover - indeed they can continue to function poorly for years to come.

Pilates plays an essential role in re-training the correct movement patterns and preventing long term pain and disability. Activating the postural muscles at your core will help to reduce this pain. Pilates is often the key to helping you prevent and overcome injuries as well as maximising performance in sport and the more demanding day to day activities.

Find out more about Pilates and our classes at The Physios