New research, published in The Lancet in July 2016, estimates that physical inactivity cost healthcare systems and workplaces almost €60.26 billion worldwide.

Our lives have become more and more sedentary as we use tech to make our lives easier. We are constantly tethered to our screens – phones, laptops, TVs etc.

This tethering has led to less movement in our lives. Office workers can spend upwards of eight hours of their work day doing the same thing – many of them sitting in front of a computer. Staying in the same position all day, every day can have a detrimental effect on the body by creating muscular imbalances.

These imbalances can then lead to back pain, neck strain, RSI and other postural issues – thus leading to more sick days and less productivity.

Historically we were hunter / gatherers – roaming across the land, foraging for food, hunting and living a nomadic existence. As human beings we are designed for jumping, running, twisting, dancing and moving in all planes – we’re not designed to sit for long periods.

The Lancet also reported on research about the benefits of physical activity for people who spend a lot of time sitting down. Dr Jacky Jones of Healthy Ireland says people whose jobs involve a lot of sitting, such as IT workers, may need to urgently review their physical activity regimes.

How can Pilates help?

Pilates is the ideal movement method to build awareness of alignment, to strengthen your postural muscles and to keep you flexible, even if you do have a sedentary job. Pilates can be done with our certified instructors in studio, and the body awareness we teach in our classes will enable you to apply Pilates principles to your day to day activities too – so you know how to stretch and lengthen your body, even when stuck at the desk or on your daily commute.

Our bodies become the environment we put them into, so why not do something good for your body today, and get yourself to a Pilates class at Live & Breathe Pilates?

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a medically endorsed method of exercise using body weight based exercises on the mat and a variety of specially designed apparatus – Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels – to get clients stronger, fitter and less prone to issues such as back pain by improving awareness and posture.

Pilates is tailorable to everybody’s fitness levels from the very sedentary to the elite athlete. It is the ideal cross training tool for cyclists, runners, GAA players, rugby players and others serious about their sport.

Who are Live & Breathe Pilates?

Steph Grey is the founder of Live & Breathe Pilates, a dedicated Pilates and movement studio based in Dublin city centre. Having worked in IT for too many years, she knows first hand the benefits of Pilates for the office worker. We also have six other certified Pilates instructors who have many thousands of teaching hours between them. We’re all about quality, not quantity.

Live & Breathe Pilates offer classes seven days a week – early morning Pilates, morning Pilates, lunchtime Pilates, evening Pilates classes and weekend Pilates classes too – check out our timetable. We’ve got your back!