Is Pilates something kids can do?

Control, breathing, flowing movement and stability are among the principles of Pilates.  These are areas we can all benefit from improving on including our children.  Awareness of movement, concentration, coordination, healthy breathing all result from practicing Pilates and its principles.  These lessons can be applied to other aspects of life.  Teaching habits that result in greater body awareness, healthy breathing, efficient movement and overall respect for an individual’s body’s health results in less wear and tear on the body over the years.  Starting Pilates at a young age instills the habit of regular exercise that does not have to be physically taxing or have to require much, if any, equipment.  Pilates is something that can be done anywhere and even the practice of doing just 20 minutes a day of mat exercises can increase energy levels and overall wellbeing.  Creating good physical movement habits at a young age will mean less physical corrections as they age.  There is so much variety to Pilates that as children’s bodies grow the exercises can be modified and added.  For example, younger children, when their bones are still growing, can do a lot of the matwork exercises, focusing on body awareness, coordination of the mind and body.  As they are growing learning to stabilize around the pelvic and scapular region and gentle toning can be added.  Again, all achieved through matwork and small props.  As they get older, early to late teens, more toning through equipment work may be added.

For anyone, but especially children, increased self-esteem and confidence can go a long way.  The resulting effects of Pilates, increased posture, toned muscles and healthy breathing can help increase self-esteem and confidence.