“Through the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning, this unique trinity
of a balanced body, mind and spirit can ever be attained.
Self-confidence follows.” Joseph Pilates
When people look to strengthen their core, they often think the best way to do so is just by going to the gym, yet Pilates offers many additional benefits beyond just strengthening your abdomen and pelvis.
Let’s just remind ourselves of the ABC of Pilates: A = alignment, B = breath, C = centring. In other words, by connecting the mind and the body with our breath, we can connect to our centre – our core.
Why is our core so important?
The core is the centre of gravity where all movements begin: your core muscles support your spine or pelvis improving your postural control and stability. They also facilitate the transfer of power between your limbs and between your lower and upper body.
After all, who doesn’t want to be able to leap about like Darcey Bussell into their old age – and avoid pesky injuries!
Benefits of Pilates in strengthening the core
Pilates offers numerous benefits for your core and your health:
Improve your balance: Take pressure off your lower back and pelvis and avoid hip pain (as I talked about on my last course and in my blog: How To Keep Hips Healthy).
Improve your posture: The stronger your core is, the less pressure you’ll have on your lower back. This course is therefore especially ideal for those sitting in front of a computer, doing a lot of driving or standing for long periods of time, and also if you’re sporty, and run, cycle or play tennis or golf, and want to improve your form and therefore avoid injury.
Improve your breathing: The more protected your internal organs are, the better they can function – which is why learning a correct breathing pattern is so important.
Strengthen your pelvic floor: How you breathe can impact the muscles at the base of your pelvis.
Low impact: Doing Pilates to help strengthen the core is ideal for beginners or if you’re recovering from an injury.
What are our core muscles?
The major muscles of the ‘core’ are:
Transversus abdominals (the innermost of the flat muscles of the abdomen and a key component of your core)
Internal and external obliques (the muscles each side of the abdomen)
Diaphragm (the major muscle of respiration, below the lungs)
Pelvic floor (muscles and ligaments supporting the bladder, uterus and bowel)
Rectus abdominal (otherwise known as the six-pack!)
Back extensors – erector spinae (deep muscles of the back that extend and laterally flex the spine)
Multifidus (small, triangular muscular and tendinous bundles each side of your spinal column)
Book my “Explore, Discover And Strengthen Your ‘Core’” class
I’m running a 7-week course in person at Bishop Gilpin school, Wimbledon, and also online, starting from 1st November, 2022. It takes a much more mindful approach than a class or a gym workout in a traditional fitness environment.
Here’s to improving our core – and our self-confidence!
Please see here for prices or contact me for details.
