Pilates:A Balanced blend of strength and Flexibility training

Pilates(pronounced "puh-lah-teez") is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body.

The Pilates Method Of Body Conditioning was developed in the early part of this century by Joseph Pilates. He was driven by his fascination with developing the capacity of the human body and by his dissatisfaction with existing approaches to fitness.

         Over his lifetime, Joseph Pilates created more than five hundred exercises, completely unique to The Pilates Method, which are performed on floor mats and on an array of specifcally-designed apparatus.

           Pilates was influenced by his Greek ancestors' classical understanding of the beauty and harmony of the human body, and the Spartan emphasis on physical strength and endurance. He was also influenced by the Eastern disciplines- his exercises utilize many aspects of yoga, and they stress breathing, mental relaxation and suppleness. It is this combination of Eastern and Western disciplines, exercising both the body and the mind, which makes this such a unique and enduring method.

PilatesFocus

Is on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk.

The Pilates Method is not just exercise, however. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by extensively trained teachers.

PilatesExercises

Pilates: The Hundred
This movement strengthens the torso by requiring the back muscles to work in synergy with the abdominal muscles.

Roll Up
This Pilates exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles. One-Leg Circle
This movement opens up the hip, increasing flexibility.

Pilates: One-Leg Stretch
This Pilates movement strengthens the abdominal muscles with the opposition effect of  keeping the back flat on the floor while changing legs.

Pilates Benefits

The Pilates Method of body conditioning promotes physical harmony and balance for people of all ages and physical conditions while providing a refreshing and energizing workout.

Regardless of your current level of fitness - from sedentary office worker to fitness enthusiast - the Pilates Method can be your primary mode of body conditioning and injury prevention.

Recently discovered by physical therapists, chiropractors and orthopedists, The Pilates Method of body conditioning can also be integrated into rehabilitative exercise and physical therapy programs designed to speed recovery of soft tissue injuries.

The Pilates Method can be safely used by pregnant women to learn proper breathing and body alignment, improve concentration, and recover body shape and tone after pregnancy.

PilatesResults

Claimed to:

Improve strength, flexibility and balance,
Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk
Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core
Engage the mind and enhance body awareness
Condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury
Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching
Restore postural alignment, Create a stronger, more flexible spine
Promote recovery from strain or injury, Increase joint range of motion
Improve circulation, Heighten neuromuscular coordination
Offer relief from back pain and joint stress
Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury
Enhance mobility, agility and stamina
Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity
Improve the way your body looks and feels

PilatesSummary

The focus in Pilates is on quality of movement rather than quantity