What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system of controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking under the careful supervision of qualified Pilates instructors, either one-on-one or in small group sessions. These professionals are highly trained specialists who know how to tailor a Pilate’s program to meet individual needs and abilities, monitoring movements to ensure correct form for optimum results.

Pilates works the deep postural muscles building strength from the inside out to tone and rebalance the body and bring it into correct alignment. Pilates consists of slow controlled movements coordinated with breathing and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Pilates will help to change the way you look, feel and move. It will also in time help you distress and feel refreshed.

What can you expect to gain from attending Pilates classes?

A mind body workout that leaves you feeling refreshed

By Focusing on the core; you can develop flat abdominals, correct posture and gain a strong back

Develop an evenly conditioned body and prevent injuries

Learn efficient patterns of motion

Be confident and safe

Benefits

• - Improves postural problems
• - Relief from aches and pains
• - Increases core strength
• - Improves balance and coordination
• - Re-balances muscles around the joints to help prevent injuries from over training
• - Balances strength with flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement
• - Improves performance in sports e.g. golf, skiing, team sports and martial arts
• - Complements massage, physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment and other therapies
• - No impact; easy on the joints
• - Lowered stress levels
• - Toned buttocks and thighs
• - Toned arms and shoulder area
• - A flatter stomach and a trimmer waist
• - Fewer headaches (where they are posture-related)
• - Greater strength and muscle tone
• - Boosted immune system
• - Increased bone density - suitable for Osteoporosis sufferers
• - Greater joint mobility
• - Better co-ordination
• - Greater body awareness

Regular Pilates classes held at:

Albany swimming pool on Monday evening’s 7.30 pm to 8.25 pm, 505 Hertford Road, London EN3 5XH and Wednesday evening’s 7 pm to 8 pm. West Grove School, 218a Chase Road, Southgate, London, N14 4LR. To book telephone Southgate Leisure Centre; on 02088827963 or for non members book in person at Southgate Leisure Centre. £6.80 for non members or £38 per month for full membership.

Courses are held at Enfield Civic Centre. Silver Street. Enfield. EN1 3XYare on Monday’s from 4.40 pm and 5.45 pm for one hour; £42 for 12 weeks. Courses at David Lloyd’s 180 Carterhatch Lane, Enfield, EN1 4LF are held on Friday’s from 11.05 am for one hour; £38 for 11 weeks. Non members are welcome. All bookings need to be taken through Enfield Council sports development Team between 10 am and 3 pm: Telephone 02083793762.