Pilates is a system of movement and exercise that was developed in the 1920s. Originated by Joseph Pilates, the goal of the system is to strengthen and stretch the muscles while integrating the mind and body.
For years, the method has been used by professional dancers, professional athletes and in the last decade it has become popular in the mainstream.
Pilates exercise works the body from the inside out, beginning with deep structural muscles of the diaphragm, pelvis, lower back and buttocks, and then working up and out to the muscles of the chest, shoulders, upper back and extremities. All movement in Pilates is focused on what Olympic trainers call the "center." This is the point between the upper half and lower half of the body between the right and left side. Joseph Pilates referred to this as the "girdle of strength."
The Pilates exercise technique is a complete fitness method and when performed regularly, positively changes bodies. It combines awareness of the spine, proper breathing and strength and flexibility training. What also makes the Pilates exercise technique unique among similar forms of exercise is that it elongates the muscles, making them more compact by developing slenderness rather than bulk. The outcome is a balanced body which is strong and supple with a flat stomach, balanced legs and a strong back.
Its effects are more than just physical: you will feel revitalized, relaxed, confident, invigorated and more flexible through a new sense of well-being!
Joseph Pilates pioneered his fitness philosophy in order to overcome his own disabilities, combining elements of yoga, breath work, weight training and gymnastics to bring the body into proper alignment. He believed that most of us have imbalanced bodies because we tend to overdevelop the stronger muscle groups, which ultimately leads to poor posture and spinal misalignment. His goal was to create and maintain a structurally fit body.
. . . . . . . .In all the Pilates classes, modifications are always provided to aid in stabilization, and/or to further challenge in a stabilized posture.
