What is Pilates? Originally called Contrology, Pilates is a system of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates nearly 100 years ago. While he was interned in a German prison camp, Pilates devised a system of pulleys attached to hospital beds which assisted in the rehabilitation of injured World War 1 veterans.In 1926, Pilates and his wife, Clara, opened a fitness studio in New York City. By the 1960s, it was extremely popular among dancers throughout the US, but still a fairly esoteric form of exercise. Pilates might have gone the way of most exercise fads if it were not so remarkably effective for such a wide range of people. It is ideal for every BODY, every level of fitness and every age. It’s an exercise system that develops core strength as it dynamically works to both stretch and strengthen muscles to restore the body’s natural grace, power and balance.
Pilates exercises develop core strength as well as developing an awareness and understanding of how to engage and work the deep muscles of the core. The core muscles are the deep internal muscles of the abdomen and back. When these muscles are balanced, support for the spine is maximized and overall movement becomes more productive. Beyond the core, Pilates works to educate all your muscles, improving flexibility, mobility, stability and strength. Pilates exercises can be performed on a mat or on special equipment/apparatus. The equipment/apparatus utilizes springs and straps that provide resistance. The mat work requires you to use your own body for resistance.
The Pilates method emphasizes quality over quantity. It is not about the repetition, it is about the precision. Doing each exercise with complete attention to how, not how many, yields significant results in a remarkably short period of time. This approach requires focus, thus, the mind has to be engaged along with the body. Every movement is done with attention to breath, form and efficient movement patterns. The exercises are safe, low impact and appropriate for every level of fitness and every age. The result is a body that works better, plays better and feels better.