This summer, leading Dynamic Reformer Pilates studio brand, Ten Health and Fitness, is launching Junior Pilates at its Chiswick Studio for children aged 9-16. Led by specialist instructor Catriona McGahan, the sessions are intended to keep children active throughout the school holiday, providing all the physical and mental benefits that Pilates brings. The programme starts on the 8th July and will run on Mondays and Fridays at 1pm and 3pm throughout the summer.
A study by ukactive found that on average, pupils lose 80% of the fitness they build up during term time, in the holidays. By offering access to new and exciting opportunities for exercise close to home – like Pilates – children can continue to keep fit and find an activity they love and want to continue doing as they grow up.
While the popularity of Pilates among adults is well known, the benefits to children are just as evident. Pilates promotes strength and improves athletic performance, helping children to perform better in their other sporting activities – thus building confidence and a love of being active.
Through doing Pilates, children gain awareness of their body, learn how to move efficiently and increase strength and flexibility of their core. This improves posture and spinal alignment, which will help them greatly as they grow older. This is especially important considering today’s sedentary lifestyles and increased amounts of computer time, leading to an increase in the amount of posture-related pain and dysfunction amongst even young kids. With its focus on stretching, postural alignment and core strengthening, Pilates is a great way to address these problems, both now and in later life.
“It’s so easy for children to stop being active in the summer holidays and our Pilates classes are the perfect opportunity for them to keep fit whilst having fun,” comments Leah Willoughby, Senior Pilates Instructor, Ten Health and Fitness. “Pilates has amazing benefits for everyone. It can guide kids to a stronger body, and a more relaxed state of mind. It helps to increase self-esteem, stamina, abdominal strength and sleep. That, combined with the focused breathing techniques, can help kids attain a much more serene and less stressful outlook. By attending our classes throughout the summer, they are sure to head back to school more focused, and in a brighter mind-frame than when they left.”
