FEELING GREAT: Pilates can work wonders on your health

Now you will have some extra time on your hands perhaps? Those hours between 8.30 and 4 when home school was open?

How about trying Pilates with your spare time? It is a great way to keep fit, keep yourself mobile and improve your health. A lot of PTs I speak to have their clients doing ‘March MATness’ - daily Pilates exercises throughout this month to celebrate the work of Joseph Pilates.

We are all big advocates of the values of his work and what benefits the exercises can bring. Don’t be afraid to get in touch if you feel ready to step up for some advice and treatment to loosen up before you begin.

It’s something you can do easily at home, all you need is a bit of space and ten minutes free time. And you all have that now, don’t you! There’s lots of exercises and moves you can look up on line and I’m sure they will be of benefit.

There's a special method to breathing in Pilates. For a start, you shouldn't be breathing into your belly in Pilates, breathe into the backs and sides of your ribs instead.

Start by placing your hands on your ribs, fingers in front, and thumbs wrapped to the back of your ribs. Take a gentle breath as you try to fill the backs and sides of your ribs and on the exhale, soften your breastbone and front ribs down towards the floor. There you go, you’ve started already!

Whether you are a senior just starting to exercise, an athlete, or somewhere in between, the foundations of Pilates movement will apply to you. Building from core strength, focusing on proper alignment, and a body/mind integrative approach make Pilates accessible to all.

With thousands of possible exercises and modifications, the workouts can suit individuals. There are endless ways you can modify the exercises and even specific considerations for Pilates for men.

It really is a simple and very effective method of exercise for everyone.

It might seem like a paradox, but the more you exercise, the more energy you actually have. The more energized you are, the more you'll feel like doing your exercise routine! Pilates gets the breath and circulation moving, stimulates the spine and muscles, and floods the body with the good feelings one gets from exercising the whole body.

We have 3 copies of my book The Healthy Habit to give away. It is essential reading for people aged 50+, and for anyone that would like to improve their own healthy habits. Please call 01429 802037 to get yours.