13 Jul Pilates and Chiropractic – Why they’re such a Compelling Combination!

Here at N8 Health, we have a dedicated Pilates studio and many of our practice members do regular Pilates classes alongside their Chiropractic care and get great results. In this blog, we explain a bit more about what Pilates is and why it is the perfect compliment to Chiropractic care…

What is the origin of Pilates?  

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883. As a child, Joe had asthma and other ailments and turned to exercise to overcome them. He studied various exercise regimens to expand his knowledge and became fascinated by the Greek ideal of a man balanced in body, mind, and spirit, and developed his own exercise system based on this concept. In adulthood, Joe was no longer the sickly person he had once been and became an avid skier, diver, gymnast, and boxer. 

What is Pilates?  

The Pilates method focuses on how the different body parts align in relation to each other. When their alignment is off, this places added stress on the spine. Pilates exercises that focus on alignment help to strengthen the muscles that support the back.  

Pilates is known for its emphasis on core strength — the centre of the body from which all movement stems. The core refers to all the surrounding muscles of the trunk that when strengthened, support and stabilize the whole body. 

What are the Benefits?  

Strengthening your core muscles around your abdomen as well as the gluteal muscles in your bottom will improve your overall posture and support your lower back which reduces the risk of injury when lifting and when desk-bound for prolonged periods of time. 

Improved posture is the difference between weak, imbalanced muscles, headaches, shoulder or back pain, and sitting or standing tall with ease.  

Pilates exercises helps to strengthen weak core muscles that may be contributing to lower back pain. The exercises along with your adjustments address the underlying structural imbalances in the body that can lead to back pain. 

Why do we recommend Pilates combined with Chiropractic Care?  

Regular Chiropractic adjustments support the nervous system which controls your muscles. A healthy nervous system will help you to activate your core muscles and will improve your ability to perform Pilates exercises.  

Is it suitable for me?  

Pilates is a suitable for anyone because it is low-impact and the exercises can be modified to suit your level. We offer a free 1:1 taster class at the appropriate stage in your Chiropractic care. Ask us at the front desk for more details.