The Benefits of Pilates for Women are very well documented. With Olive Keyes you will be able to take full advantage of these benefits under the guidance of a highly qualified instructor. Here are just a few of those benefits!

 

Core Strength

Pilates hits your core (or, in Pilates speak, your "powerhouse") unlike any other workout. Research would suggest that after completing a Pilates Program, women strengthened their rectus abdominis (the muscle responsible for six-packs) by an average of 21 percent, while eliminating muscle imbalances between the right and left sides of their cores (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise study).

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Alleviate Back Pain

This is an area that Olive has personal extensive experience in, having suffered years from chronic pain from a spinal injury. A stronger core equals a better back. That's why those with chronic lower back pain who practiced Pilates for just four weeks experienced more relief than those who visited a physician and other specialists, according to The Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy. What's more, their pain stayed away for a full year post-Pilates. Researchers believe that by stabilizing the core's lumbar-pelvic (lower-back) region, Pilates alleviates stress on the area and ups mobility.

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Improved Concentration Levels

Pilates' slow and controlled movements puts minimal impact on your joints. Pilates urges you to focus on 1) your breath, 2) your body, and 3) how they move together. It takes a lot of concentration. You can't zone out. That means you're forced to forget about other distractions such as work, finances, partners etc for the full hour.

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Flexibility

Further studies would suggest that when women (without any prior Pilates experience) performed Pilates sessions, they became 19.1 percent more flexible.

 

Increased Cognitive Functions

Joseph Pilates called his workout method "the thinking man's exercise." It could very well be. When Chinese researchers measured changes in women's brain activity after 10 weeks of Pilates training, they found an increase in the brain's alpha peak power, which is related to neural network activity, memory performance, and other cognitive functions. Researchers believe Pilates may even hold potential as a treatment option for people with brain-degenerative diseases and cognitive dysfunctions.

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Menopause

During her (MA) studies in Health Science one of the areas that was covered was Womens Health and the Menopause. Combining this with Pilates research would suggest that as well as potentially relieving some menopause symptoms, pilates exercise can help relieve stress, which all feeds into making this often physically and mentally challenging transition in a woman’s life potentially far easier to deal with. There are other gains too:

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• Strengthen bones – During menopause women are more likely to begin to lose bone density and this needs to be guarded against. Pilates can keep bones strong and this reduces the chances of post-menopausal problems such as osteoporosis and the risk of fractures.

• Build muscle mass – Another symptom of the menopause is the loss of muscle mass. A good strength training and cardio regime can keep muscles toned and keep the body powered up so that you can burn off fat more easily and also keep in shape.

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Olive has a holistic approach to Pilates and emotional well being having also worked in a Rape Crises Centre.

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Please see the many reviews from various clients here. To book group sessions for classes in your area click here.