The Pilates Body...
"...is shapely and streamlined with an elegant upright posture, without looking stiff or muscle-bound. Pilates places no significant aerobic demands on the body. so there's often a softness to its shape, while the excellent posture the training develops makes it look lighter and more elegant.
"According to Joseph Pilates, the founder of the exercise system, a person's true age is not measured by their years or how they feel but by the flexibility of their spine. Pilates movements prioritise working abdominal core strength, spine mobility and correct alignment of the body, which allows efficient recruitment of different muscle groups (both in class and everyday life) without straining or creating tensions in other parts of the body."
- The Guardian, 1 July 2008
Pilates for Swimmers...
"Pilates is great for swimming because it increases body awareness, activates the deep postural muscles and helps maintain body alignment”
- Olympic swimming coach Patrick Miley, The Guardian, 8 August 2008
Pilates for Back Sufferers...
"A key element of Pilates is core stability training - exercises to work on the deep-set muscles situated in the trunk and pelvic area that have a role in protecting the spine and keeping the'core' body stable. A recent study from the University of Queensland found that isolation of the deep abdominal muscles could successfully improve recruitment patterns in lower back pain sufferers, reducing pain. But, contrary to popular belief about Pilates, it's not all about the core. 'Pilates is brilliant for for backs because it works the spine through all planes of movement...extension, flexion, rotation and side flexion - as well as teaching good body awareness and use, improving breathing and posture."
- Sam Murphy, The Guardian, 21 August 2008
"Back problems often start in our thirties. Post-childbirth, the pelvis can shift, and stressed, tense, muscles can can also distort positioning. Leave this unchecked and the wear and tear it causes will trigger pain in the next few years. Pilates can help counter this by strengthening the core muscles that support the back."
- Helen Foster, Psychologies Magazine, September 2008