Invented in Germany post WWI by Joseph Pilates (above) to rehabilitate returning servicemen, it was designed as a holistic body workout focusing on mobility and strength.

Pilates is a system of moves designed to strengthen the muscles by lengthening them.  In the process it can also improve posture, balance, mobility, flexibility and even breathing while reducing the likelihood of injury to the muscles.  The emphasis on control is one that is of high importance to the program. 

“It’s not the part of the body that is moving that’s the hard bit; it’s what’s not moving – or not supposed to be moving that’s the challenge!” In general Joseph Pilates’ goal was that everyone does his workout as a part of their daily routine each day, like they brush their teeth.

Today Pilates is so versatile in terms of exercises on the mat and equipment that everyone can benefit from it. Whether you are an athlete or an everyday person, young or old, we can all gain from Pilates – core strength, endurance and general health and wellbeing.

Aqualink offers Group Fitness Mat Pilates which uses a mat, your own body and a variety of small props to perform seated, reclined and some standing exercises; that challenge the entire body especially your core - the area from your hips to your shoulders. Classes are predominately seated/laying so it's suitable for all ages and levels. Clinical Pilates on the other hand is run at Physiotherapy clinics (not available at Aqualink), an appointment with a Physiotherapist is required to obtain a clinical assessment before commencing classes.

To some, Pilates may appear to be no more than a low intensity glorified abs and stretch session, yet most of our professional sporting codes including regular Pilates sessions in their training regimes, so perhaps maybe there’s more to it than meets the eye.