Take a deep, cleansing breath. As you inhale through your nose, you may be aware of your nostrils filtering the air, your chest expanding and your stomach rising, stretching a few sleepy core muscles. Now slowly, exhale in the same controlled way. As your rib cage squeezes the air out from your lungs, focus on pushing out any tension, pain or stress.

 

I bet you feel like doing that again…

 

Breathing is vital of course. We all know that, but to what extent. To some it’s just one of those automatic bodily functions. Most of us can go for days, letting the subconscious control us, shallow breathing, until suddenly we notice life-styles getting the better of us and that we’re sighing about everything.

 

Learning to breathe consciously, understanding the importance of oxygenating blood cells to improve organ, brain and muscle function can be all it takes to improve memory and posture, start feeling energized and begin to discover a whole new you.

 

The amazing exercise techniques developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s has extended beyond the world of dancers and become so popular recently, that one has to stop to ask why?

 

Because it really does work! We become conscious of our body as a whole, able to visualize and understand its mechanical harmony as we build on respiratory techniques, body alignment and core muscle stability.

 

The blend of strength and flexibility training improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking up. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body moves as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity.

 

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