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Pilates
is an exercise program
that has been developing since the 1920’s.
The founder, Joseph Pilates, was a man ahead of
his time, utilizing exercise concepts that only
now have been embraced by mainstream exercise
and rehabilitation professionals.
"I
must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured
a day in my life. The whole country, the whole
world, should be doing my exercises. They'd be
happier."
- Joseph Hurbertus Pilates, in 1965 at age 86 |
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The
key principals used with every exercise are breathing,
stabilization from the center, concentration,
control, flow and precision. There is a natural
progression one must follow to truly gain the
most benefit from Pilates. The foundational work
for Pilates is known as the Pilates Fundamentals.
The fundamentals will teach you how to breathe
diaphragmatically, an essential process to direct
efficiency, focus and energy to areas in the body
that are amnesiac, thereby generating more power
and utilization from those areas. You will also
learn terminology relating to body positioning,
tempo, and control. |
Properly stabilizing from the center is the most
important fundamental you will learn. Also known
as our “core”, initiating and moving
from there is the basis of proper biomechanics,
which pre-habilitates and rehabilitates many Pilates
practitioners. The aesthetic benefits are a flatter,
firmer abdomen.
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Shoulder
stabilization is also emphasized. Learning how
to properly initiate arm movement is the key component
of alleviating tense, overactive muscles which
often over fire throughout the day, and especially
when exercising. Envisioning the creation of space
in the spine and joints gives us a newfound fluidity,
grace and poise as we learn to open up and activate
congested regions in our bodies. |
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Pilates Apparatus are unique amongst all other exercise
machines. They use springs instead of weight stacks.
The springs can be used as a sort of bio-feed back
to observe and feel muscle weakness as you move
through a challenged range and the springs vibrate
or wobble. The versatility of the apparatus allows
studios to place more in a smaller space. Each piece
of equipment can accommodate a nearly unlimited
amount of exercises. The apparatus can be used in
2 ways: 1. To create more resistance, and 2. used
most commonly, assisting to open congested areas,
soften overactive muscles and strengthen areas in
the body that would not be as effective without
the apparatus. |
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Whether
you choose a group exercise class or private personal
training sessions, you will be on your way to
a lifestyle change that will forever shift your
perspective on exercise and movement. |
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