What is Pilates?
The Pilates Method is a workout with an emphsis on gaining flexibility, strength, balance and coordination.
This unique method of body condition is based on the work of Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). Joseph Pilates called his method The Art of Contrology which refers to the way that the method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles. Pilates was a performer and boxer living in England and during World War I when he was placed under forced internment in Lancaster, where he taught fellow camp members the concepts and exercises developed over 20 years of his self-study. It was at this time that he redesigned hospital beds by adding spring and pulleys for the injured to exercise. This equipment became the Pilates apparatus used today.
The Pilates Method is a safe and effective way to strengthen the body without adding bulk and stress to the joints. It focuses on strengthening the core postural muscles of the body, which stabilize the torso allowing for full body movement thus lending itself to uniformal development of the body. The Pilates Method also involves concentration and the co-ordination of breath and movement thus increasing circulation and creating a wonderful “internal shower” within the body itself.
The Pilates method focuses on developing physical characteristics such as:
- core strength and stability
- balance and coordination
- increased flexibility
- increased muscular tone and endurance
- improved posture and alignment
- enhanced ahtletic performance
Other health related benefits include:
- relief from stress
- increased energy level
- heightened body awareness
- reduced chronic back pain
- reduced joint impact
- prevention of injury
- speedy recovery from injury, surgery or both