03/04/2025
The importance of lateral breathing in Pilates!
The type of breathwork used in Pilates is super beneficial to elevate your physical practice and also mental wellbeing, as it can be used as a meditative focus.
There is a focus on expanding the ribcage sideways rather than just deepening the abdominal breath. It’s useful to practice this by placing the hands on the sides of the ribcage to have a target for your breath to move into. This directional breathwork enhances oxygen flow, which in turn supports muscle engagement and endurance during exercises.
This technique encourages the activation of the deep stabilizing muscles, which is essential for maintaining best posture and balance throughout movements.
During the INHALE – the diaphragm contracts and moves downward while expanding the ribs. This stretches the muscles of the core, particularly the deep stabilizers like the transversus abdominis and the pelvic floor, which remain softly engaged to maintain spinal stability while accommodating the INHALE.
During the EXHALE – the same core muscles engage but more intentionally and YOU have control over HOW MUCH engagement you want/need. The transversus abdominis and pelvic floor contract which will draw the lower ribs inward and support the spine. The EXHALE facilitates a firm controlled pressure that allows more stable movements and gives the opportunity for greater range of motion.
In addition, lateral breathing promotes relaxation and stress reduction by releasing tension in the upper body, allowing for smoother transitions between exercises and a more mindful connection to the body.
Mastering lateral breathing not only elevates the efficiency of Pilates routines but also deepens the mind-body connection that is at the heart of the practice.
27/02/2025
Very excited about the new class starting next week at Dalgety Bay! It’s been a while since I launch a new class and NEW VENUE! I love introducing new people to the magic of Pilates đŸ™‚
20/02/2025
Our Mum and Baby Pilates classes have started back, I really love these classes.
18/02/2025
A big thank you from the Parkinsons team!
02/02/2025
We held a Wellness Day in January for Parkinsons UK which was AMAZING! I’m so chuffed with how it all went. There were fantastic teachers delivering fantastic classes ; Pilates, Pilates circuits, Storeytime Pilates, Foam Roller, Chair Pilates, Chair Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Safe Fall and Parkinsons Box-Fit. It was a wonderful day bringing the community together to raise money but more importantly to raise the awareness of Parkinsons.
20/09/2023
Your feet take a beating! Think about how much they do for you EVERYDAY!
I was at my friend’s wedding at the weekend, and it was amazing! We all danced like crazy and my feet were certainly reminding me of it the next day. I spent my Sunday night on a little self care, just on my feet, they were much happier!
Your feet should have as much flexibility as your hands! Yes, your hands! Look how much movement a baby’s foot has, they have not been squished into shoes that aren’t the right shape for their feet…yet
Look after your feet, they take the movement of your whole body. It’s amazing how things can have a knock on effect, a sore back, knee or hip might actually stem from the feet. Everything is connected in the body.
15/09/2023
Shoulder release! After those long feeds take a moment to move. You can do these standing or sitting, do as much or as little as you like.
Please take some time for you x
15/09/2023
I was sorting out some new content for the new mums and I came across the very first video I did, at the very start of lockdown! My wee lad is only 11months old here (he’s 4 now!) and my dog Ralph will no doubt appear in many more of my videos. Please don’t expect the videos to get any more polished than this!
A very short session on spine curls which are brilliant for releasing the back and shoulders.
Laura's Pilates 