A Balanced blend of strength
and Flexibility training
(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.
Pilates
Focus
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.
Pilates
Exercises
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.
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.
Pilates
Results
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
Pilates Summary
Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously
through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular
concentration on strengthening and stabilizing
the core (the abdomen, back and pelvic girdle
region, sometimes referred to as the "powerhouse").
The focus in Pilates is on quality of movement
rather than quantity
|
