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BIRMINGHAM CENTRE FOR CHINESE MEDICINE

245 Alcester Road South, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 6DT

Tel: 0121-441 2757

PILATES

WHAT IS PILATES?

Pilates is a gentle form of exercise, from which everyone can benefit. It concentrates on bringing the body and mind together in harmony and involves using controlled movements. The focus is usually on one limb at a time, either in a standing position, or on the floor, lying or crouching. However, for anyone with difficulties with mobility, exercises can easily be modified to their ability. Some movements are performed very slowly, while others are more rhythmic; slow relaxing music is played but the focus of the mind is on the body and the feel of the movements being performed.

Pilates is very different from aerobics or similar exercises because it has a complete holistic approach. Like Eastern exercise programmes, such as Tai Chi or yoga, it uses the training of the mind to control the body. It concentrates on core postural muscles to create a strong centre and achieve stability in the trunk. Every exercise is used with the correct body alignment. Only when you have correct stability in these areas can you concentrate on movement. No force is used so the movements flow.

Pilates can benefit anyone by inducing relaxation to alleviate stress and anxiety. As it helps tone muscles and improves flexibility and posture, sufferers of diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis or back pain will experience alleviation of their condition. As it can be performed as gently as need be all ages can benefit, as can pregnant women, though fit sports people would benefit just as much through increased flexibility and the relaxation it induces.

 

HOW WAS PILATES DEVISED?

Pilates was devised by Joseph Pilates who was born in 1880 near Dusseldorf in Germany. He was a frail child and tried various methods of exercise including yoga, martial arts, weight training and ballet to build his body: he became obsessed about improving his image.

Whilst in confinement in England during World War 1, he devised a programme for his fellow inmates, who he believed survived an influenza virus because of their fitness.

He returned to Germany after the war and this is where he first came in touch with the world of dance. He became a very successful trainer with the Hamburg police and subsequently decided to leave for America, meeting his future wife Clara on the boat. They opened their first fitness studio in New York. The studio attracted many ballet dancers as well as actors and actresses because his techniques complemented their traditional exercises.

Pilates techniques are taught all over the world and are growing fast in the United States, with over 500 studios now operating.

 

THE PILATES CLASS

Before the class new participants will be asked about their health to ensure that particular movements and positions will be comfortable and appropriate for them. At the beginning of the class, we take you through three of the main principles, breathing, relaxation and centring.

Relaxation is an important part of the sessions as we emphasise on relaxing the muscles before movement. We also teach correct breathing, focusing on thoracic rather than diaphragmic breathing.

None of the exercises involve high impact such as would occur in aerobics and similar classes.

Please wear comfortable loose, but warm clothes. No shoes are worn, but bring warm socks for your feet. All other equipment will be supplied.

 

INSTRUCTION GIVEN BY:

Andy Adamson is a graduate of the Oxford School of Pilates. He has also studied with Jane Paterson and Pilates "Guru" Alan Herdman.

 

It is recommended that participants purchase the book " Pure Pilates " by Michael King.

 

CLASSES:



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Birmingham Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine Ltd. Directors: M.R. Ehrenberg BA, PhD, LSSMDip, DipAc, MBAcC, CertAc(Kunming); N. Lampert BA, PhD, DipAc, MBAcC, CertAc(Nanjing) MRCHM; C. Wylde BA, DipAc, MBAcC, CertAc(Nanjing).