Imagine my delight when I spotted a BBC Radio 4 programme that celebrated the benefits of Pilates? Dr Michael Mosley’s Just One Thing investigates one thing per episode that could improve his listeners’ lives. Pilates was the ’one thing’ he considered for his October 11th episode. Check it out on BBC Sounds. It’s only 14 minutes long.
It was heartening to hear a full and positive appraisal of my favourite kind of exercise! Dr Mosley describes it as “quite gentle but surprisingly effective”. He also celebrates its suitability for athletes, but also as a safe form of exercise for older people, pregnant women, and people with back pain or arthritis. He also lauded Pilates’ benefits for strengthening deep core muscles and for giving our brains a boost.
Dr Mosley was a supporter of using Pilates for chronic lower back pain as more successful treatment than medication and standard care. This is a topic I have come back to in my blogs – see Pilates for back pain – a good wellbeing choice – and social media posts.
As almost anyone can do it, Dr Mosely noted that Pilates is also key to building mobility, balance and strength in our latter years with the sit-to-stand test proving is efficacy.
In terms of athletes, Andy Murray is a fan of Pilates as studies have shown that tennis players can gain almost 5mph in speed on their serves. Another study showed that a 12-week Pilates programme improved the speed of middle-distance runners by 10%.
Dr Mosley puts a tennis player volunteer to the test as part of his programme and you should listen to the catch-up recording to see what he thought of Pilates classes.
I used Pilates as part of an exercise programme I devised for myself to recover from my own back injury. I now do multiple classes a week and love every minute of them. Combined with some weight and strength training, plus Zumba classes, I feel fitter than ever, and my body is pleasingly sculpted and toned. Pilates is the real deal!
And my clients are seeing results too, depending on why they have come to Pilates. I am seeing more mobility, strength and flexibility from the people who attend my classes. They leave them feeling more relaxed too. There are just no down sides to Pilates.
If you would like to take Dr Mosely’s advice and try Pilates as your ‘one thing’ then why not come to a taster session?
You may also like to read a recent testimonial from my client Kate:
“I can’t express enough how Lara’s Pilates classes have transformed my life. I was sceptical at first, but her expertise and dedication to her students have proven that Pilates is truly for all ages and benefits the entire body. I’m in my 60s, and thanks to Lara’s classes, I feel more flexible and stronger than ever.
“Lara’s approach caters to a wide range of fitness levels, and she tailors each session to suit individual needs. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned practitioner, Lara ensures that you get the most out of every class.
“Not only have I improved my core strength and posture, but I’ve also found a sense of peace and mindfulness during her sessions. Lara’s guidance extends beyond the physical; it’s a holistic experience that nurtures the mind and body.
“Lara’s Pilates classes are a testament to her passion and dedication to health and wellness. If you’re looking for a transformative fitness journey suitable for any age, I wholeheartedly recommend Lara’s classes. Your body will thank you!”