Pilates is an innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967), an innovator and a pioneer in the field of complete body fitness.
He combined his knowledge of anatomy and body mechanics with his expertise in yoga, skiing, diving, gymnastics, martial arts, and boxing. He used all of this knowledge along with his nursing/ caretaking skills to help rehabilitate injured prisoners of war in England during World War I.
He later moved to the United States, and opened a popular studio in New York City. His clients included dancers, choreographers, athletes and performers.
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The six principles Pilates named
as the basis of his training are:
Concentration
Control
Centering
Flowing movement
Precision
Breathing
Pilates is appropriate for people of all ages and physical abilities. It dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs.
It builds strength without excess bulk. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain.
A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.
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The Benefits of Pilates
* Develops strong core abdominal and back muscles
* Improves flexibility, balance, oordination, and stamina
* Relieves tension and stress
* Helps improve posture and spinal alignment,
creating a long and lean physical shape
* Tones and firms muscles, yet low impact and gentle on joints
* Re-educates the body to find correct use
of the muscles,
joints and breath
* Creates renewed awareness, affecting how one performs
everyday activities and sports
* May increase bone density, reversing the effects of osteoporosis
* Pilates can be done throughout pregnancy and post partum
* Pilates is also used to rehabilitate injuries. Physical therapists and medical professionals recommend it for retraining abnormal movement patterns and correcting biomechanical problems
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