What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility, and awareness in order to support efficient movement patterns. Each exercise is completely adaptable and can be modified to each individual as needed. One of the best things about the Pilates method is that it works so well for men, women, the conditioned and the de-conditioned. Athletes and dancers love it, as do seniors, women rebounding from pregnancy, those with chronic pain and people at various stages of physical rehabilitation. The top benefits of doing Pilates that people report are that they become stronger, longer, leaner, and more able to do anything with grace and ease.*
“In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a different body”.
— Joseph Pilates
Core Strength
Core strength is the foundation of Pilates exercise. The core muscles are the deep, internal muscles of the abdomen and back. When the core muscles are strong and doing their job, as they are trained to do in Pilates, they work in tandem with the more superficial muscles of the trunk to support the spine and movement. As you develop your core strength you develop stability throughout your entire torso. This is one of the keys to how Pilates helps people overcome back pain. As the trunk is properly stabilized, pressure on the back is relieved and the body is able to move freely and efficiently.*
* Marguerite Ogle, guide to Pilates at pilates.about.com
Benefits of Pilates
- Develops Core Strength
- Relieve chronic back pain
- Increases Flexibility
- Improves Body-Mind Awareness
- Creates Strength, Balance and Coordination
- Improves Posture
- Increases bone density and muscle endurance
- Increases strength and muscle tone
- Builds long, lean muscles for a leaner physique
History
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates during WWI in hopes to improve rehabilitation efforts for injured veterans. Pilates developed a collection of precise movements that would emphasize the control and form necessary to aid injured soldiers as they worked to regain their health by strengthening, stretching and stabilizing key muscle groups.
“Physical fitness can neither be achieved through wishful thinking nor outright purchase.”
— Joseph Pilates
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