Getting to the pointe - why strong healthy feet are so important for injury prevention.
Our feet are often forgotten during exercise and yet they are crucial in injury and pain prevention, balance and posture. With 26 bones, over 30 joints and a vast network of muscles, tendons and ligaments the feet play a major part in how weight and forces are distributed through the body. Read on to find out how we address many common foot pathologies in the Pilates studio.
These hips don’t lie!
Do you wonder what can cause hip pain and what can be done for it? Hip pain is common amongst dancers, soccer players, runners, cyclists and older people. Pilates can help alleviate the symptoms with targeted exercises and a tailored program to address the underlying causes.
The classical mat sequence - the benefits of mat Pilates.
We are halfway through March and that means we are well and truly into MarchMatness. A month long dedication and celebration by Pilates studios and Pilates lovers the world over of the original mat sequence as designed and taught by Joseph Pilates.
The mat sequence can be done anywhere at anytime. You just need enough space to lay down a mat.
Should I stretch tight hamstrings?
Should I stretch tight hamstrings? This is an interesting question and the first thing we need to talk about is – what are tight hamstrings?
Your hamstrings are made up of three muscles at the back of your legs – semimembranosus – attaches from the pelvis to the inside of the knee; semitendinosus – attaches from the pelvis to the inside of the knee; and biceps femoris – attaches from the base of the pelvis and the outside of the knee.
What exercises can I do for back pain?
This is a question we get asked all the time in the studio. Back pain can range from very mild to debilitating and can be caused by a number of issues to do with the hamstrings, glutes, feet, knees, back muscles, hip flexors and postural imbalances. There may also be spinal conditions such as scoliosis, Scheuermann’s disease, compressed nerves and arthritis as well as injuries caused by an accident or sporting related. While some of these conditions won’t necessarily go away, a regular Pilates practice can help manage the symptoms through strength and mobility work.
The benefits of cross training with Pilates.
For some people Pilates is their only choice of exercise. Reasons for this are many and varied but usually have to do with the customisability of the method and other forms of movement not being the appropriate choice. One of the many great things about Pilates is that it is an excellent choice to compliment sport and exercise.