TIP: Click the   Video tab to see this activity in action

Hello, there seems to be a problem, you have either not got java enabled, or you do not have the latest Flash player installed. Please click here to install the latest player, once complete, close that window and refresh this page.

The Pilate's method is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century. Pilate's teaches awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and strengthen deep torso muscles, important in alleviating and preventing back pain.

Popularity
Although the Pilate's method of exercise has been popularly practised throughout the world for a hundred years, it is since the 1990s that it has really become a popular fittness and therapy method, with practitioners and groups throughout the UK.

Location
Pilate's is a non competitive indoor activity, beneficial to both males and females of all ages. Males and females may be separated depending on the class or group attended.

Age
Pilate's has no age restriction, good health and posture is as important to the young as to the more elderly.

Ability
Pilate's is a social and beneficial activity for people of all and any ability. In Britain, Pilate's instructors should be government registered on the Register of Exercise Professionals,(PMA).

Description
Pilate's practitioners use their own bodies as weights in training to build strength and flexibility. This is targeted without a focus on high powered cardiovascular exercise. Today, Pilate's is used in the rehabilitation process by many phisical therapists. Pilate's is an old approach to movement re-education that is becoming popular in the fields of fittness and rehabilitation. Pilate's can be used to progress individuals through more challenging movements found in modern lifestyles.

Dedication
Exercise and training of all kinds should be undertaken on a regular basis, Pilate's is no exception. Pilate's largely avoids high impact, high power output, and heavy muscular and skeleton loading. The emphasis is not simply building muscle mass. Its focus is unique in its in its emphasis on lengthening and alignment, it can successfully train muscles which bodybuilding and gym aerobics can just as easily avoid. thus preventing injury.

Closely Related Activities
Aspects of the Pilate's method are used by sportsman and athletes in many sports as part of their training and fittness regimes, Some areas of Pilate's have close similarities with Yoga (649) and Tai Chi Chuan (378).

Cost
The cost of attending a pilates class is dependent on the individual group attended, prices start from a few pounds per session.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.