Developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates to rehabilitate injured detainees in war camps, the Pilates method is renowned today for its benefits in improving flexibility, strength, and body awareness. It is highly relevant for athletes and non-athletes alike.

Long hours sitting in chairs or driving can shorten muscles and lead to weaknesses which are often compounded by poor posture.

Runners are renowned for their lack of flexibility and require a strong core to retain form in long endurance events, or when running cross country. Cyclists require a strong core to maintain power when they are low on the bike and can face back issues. Swimming requires good shoulder mobility, general flexibility and core strength to be efficient.

The Pilates method concentrates on the “core” postural muscles in the body. These are the ones necessary to achieve stability in the torso. The “core” consists of deep abdominal and spinal muscles that work in an an integrated way to stabilise the whole body. Pilates works on strengthening weak muscles, lengthening short / tight muscles and helps increase mobility in the joints.

Initial sessions can be eye-opening. Most people are surprised by how many “new” muscles they find which they had not been using, and how inflexible parts of their body are. In addition, it is common to find lateral differences.

Core Therapy sessions, led by Wendy, apply Pilates techniques on an individual basis to address specific needs