POSTURE & PILATES

How does Pilates aid posture.............?

To put it simply, there are 2 basic principles-

*Pilates focuses on strengthening the muscles that support the spine- 

• Tranverse Abdominus (the front & side stomach muscle)
• Multifidus (the deep back muscle)
• Pelvic Floor (the muscle underneath the pelvis) 

These muscles act as a cylinder of support around the spine.

*Correct alignment-

•  If the core (cylinder) muscles are strengthened, the joints are better supported and in turn better aligned.

However posture cannot be improved long-term if the above are not applied through out everyday life.  Postural awareness should be something we should strive to be aware of in all areas of our lives.  It is hard I know, modern day constraints are against us, & it feels like a loosing battle at times!  

All the same, little adjustments will make a huge difference even if it's swapping your handbag strap from one shoulder to the other, or making sure you switch your phone to the other ear. 

So there we have it, a very simplified explanation of how Pilates can help posture!  Therefore if you can try & attend a Pilates class (ideally twice per week) it will vastly help to improve your posture, & support you in applying it to your life in general.