Pilates exercises require you to observe how you move specific parts of your body while keeping the non-moving parts stable. One of the first things you do when starting Pilates is to find your neutral spine. ‘Neutral’ refers to the natural curves in your spine.

By keeping your spine in neutral, your joints will receive less stress and muscles can funtion better. You will learn how to keep your neutral spine during exercise by re-activating your deep postural muscles. Gradually you are able to ‘switch on’ those muscles to keep your body stable and supported as the muscles start to create a strong centre in your body.

The great thing about this increased stability is that it frees up more superficial, bigger muscles you have been overworking to stabilise your body. For example, people who suffer from having tight hamstring muscles are often not using their gluteals (buttocks) so the hamstrings have to work overtime. By putting our body in good alignment and switching on the deeper, stabilising muscles, you allow the hamstrings to become free. Only then  can you work on lengthening your hamstrings and return them to functioning at their best! Your superficial muscles are the ones that make bigger movements while your deep muscles work hard to give you the stability you need to move efficiently. When those two groups of muscles are used correctly, your body starts to move more fluidly with less effort. Pilates exercises not only improve your body awareness, posture and muscle tone, but also the way you move your body.

So why don't you start Pilates and Discover Your Body's Potential?

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