Body Control Pilates (BCP)

Background The Body Control Pilates Method is based on the work of Joseph Pilates who began to develop his Method around the time of the First World War before opening a studio in New York in the 1920's. His studio soon attracted the city's 'elite' with actors, dancers and athletes finding that his exercises perfected and completed their traditional programme and catered for their individual needs - building strength without adding bulk, balancing that strength with flexibility and achieving the perfect harmony between mind and body. 'In ten sessions you'll feel the difference, in twenty you'll see the difference and in thirty you'll have a new body'. Joseph Pilates

What makes Pilates different?

Pilates is a body-conditioning method that works in a different way to other fitness techniques. Targetting the deep postural muscles, it works by building strength from the inside out, rebalancing the body and bringing it into correct alignment. It helps to reshape your body which will become longer, leaner and more toned. It will also improve your posture, achieving the perfect balance between strength and flexibility, plus it's a great way to relieve unwanted stress and tension.

Pilates offers both mental and physical training, literally teaching you to be in control of your body. By improving body awareness and focus, tension is released and correct postural alignment is taught.

One is encouraged to breathe more efficiently by breathing laterally into the lower ribcage. The creation of a 'girdle of strength' is one of the primary aims of the Method. By correcting imbalances, sound muscle recruitment patterns are encouraged and the body is realigned. Pilates plays a key role in many injury rehabilitation programmes in dance, sport and general practice.

The core of the Method is 'awareness of your own body' and each and every exercise is built around its eight key principles:

Relaxation, Breathing, Concentration, Flowing Movements, Alignment, Co-ordination, Centring and Stamina

Why Body Control Pilates?

The Body Control Pilates Association was setup in 1996 with theb goal of bringing the befits of Pilates to all. Body Control Pilates continues to enjoy an excellent reputation with regard to the effectiveness and the quality of its teaching.

Key reasons are:

• Progressive approach - you are taught safe movement skills that give you the strength and confidence to do more advanced Pilates exercises
  
  
• Quality of Teaching - Body Control Teachers are renowned for their attention to detail and their ability to cater for the the needs of the individual
  
  
• Client Assessment - Before joining a class your treacher will ask you to complete an Enrolment Form giving details of injuries or conditions
  
  
• Class Size - Teachers work to a maximum class size of 12, ensuring close supervision and support
  
  
• Code of Practice - BCPA teachers work to a Code of Practice that governs standards and ethics
  
  
• Access to latest research - The BCPA has access to the latest research findings in areas such as core stability, muscle balance, the pelvic floor; and ensures that these are used in our teaching prgrammes

View the Body Control Pilates Assocation site for more information