Pilates - Everyone's Friend

Attending a Pilates class is known to be of huge benefit to many different types of people from all types of backgrounds. As a gentle form of exercise which strengthens the mind as well as the body, Pilates classes can help all people to reach their optimum fitness levels without causing unnecessary injury. This makes it a perfect form of exercise for anyone who is suffering from back problems, a sports injury or is pregnant.

Many of us would like to start a keep fit regime, especially at the beginning of a New Year but eventually the good intentions usually wane, especially if you live in a rural area such as Rawtenstall where there may not be many good Pilates classes. Rawtenstall, Lancashire, is just one such area where you may not have many opportunities to find a Pilates class, and therefore when you do find a Pilates class it is advisable to sign up for a short course to encourage you to attend regularly.

To reap maximum benefits from Pilates you need to attend classes on a regular basis to work towards strengthening your body and helping to recover from any injuries you have. It is important to inform your Pilates class instructor of any injuries or pain you have so they can help you to strengthen these areas.

Most reputable Pilates organisations will have new courses starting at frequent intervals throughout the year and a short course can even make a unique gift idea for anyone who wants to improve their fitness but haven't yet made a commitment. Once someone has experienced the benefits of a short course of Pilates, they usually do become regular attendees at classes because it does not take too long to see the benefits.

Finding Pilates classes in rural areas such as Rawtenstall can be a problem but reputable companies with highly qualified instructors are now recognising the need for good Pilates classes in such areas and are now providing courses in many villages and small towns. For many of the occupants of such villages, it can be difficult to travel to the bigger cities for classes so the provision of quality classes in the right type of venue is an important step for many.

Many people are advised to take more exercise but often an existing injury or condition will make them wary of over exerting themselves and causing greater injury and damage to their body. Pilates classes are suitable for anyone who is pregnant or anyone who is recovering from injuries as Pilates is a low impact form of exercise although the instructor should be aware of the condition so they can adapt the class or exercises accordingly. Pilates concentrates on strengthening your body and helping posture rather than adding bulk to your form. Pilates was originally introduced to aid in the recovery of sports injuries and alleviate back problems by the gentle stretching and realignment of the spine.

Pilates classes are beneficial to all, but it is important to find a class with qualified instructors and to reap the maximum benefits signing up for a course is essential.

Charlotte Hopkinson is the founder of Live-Pilates. She is a Level 3 Advanced Pilates instructor with 10 years experience as a qualified Fitness Instructor.

Charlotte describes herself as a lifelong fitness freak having spent years running marathons, horse-riding and eventually working as a top-level cyclist in the squad representing Great Britain. This took its toll on her back, and within just 12 weeks of regular Pilates classes, Charlotte realised how effective and amazing Pilates really is - and has never looked back!

Live-Pilates offers mainstream Pilates classes as well as specialised Pilates classes for back problems, ladies-only, men-only, mixed, beginners, advanced, pre-natal, post-natal and Powerpaced Pilates classes, as well as one-to-one Pilates sessions.

For further information, visit http://www.live-pilates.co.uk and find out more.