What is Pilates?
Pilates is a Body Conditioning System of over 700 Exercises performed on unique equipment that was created by Joseph H. Pilates at the turn of the 20th Century. Mr. Pilates developed his system in response to the rise of poor health, which he believed was enabled by a “modern lifestyle” consisting of bad posture, poor breathing, and a lack of Core Strength. He created a regime to train the ”Mind to Body Connection” with inspirations from gymnastics, boxing, martial arts, body building, yoga, and dance. He created his 36- Exercise Matwork regime first, years before he invented his specialized equipment. Matwork: “You against Gravity” is the foundation of the entire Pilates System. Many of the mat exercises are “translated” in various forms onto the spring-loaded equipment to assist the practitioner as well as provide resistance for increased strength. The emphasis often is on the controlled, eccentric phase of muscle contraction, thus developing the long, strong, lean muscles that the Pilates method is known for.
The Six Principles of Pilates
CENTERING
Power Comes from the “Core” of the Body – a Strong & Stable Center
CONTROL
Movements are deliberate and purposeful
CONCENTRATION
Engaging the Mind as well as the Body during every moment of every exercise
FLOW
Continuous dynamic movement within each exercise and between exercises
BREATH
Facilitates core support
PRECISION
Quality of the exercise, not the quantity, gives it intensity
A fully equipped classical Pilates studio includes the original apparatus
- “Universal” Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High/Low Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector (Low Barrel), Metal Magic Ring, Foot Corrector, dumbbells and sometimes Ped-A-Pul & Small Arm Chair
- Constructed using natural materials such as wood, leather, metal & closely follows Joseph Pilates original designs
- “Modern” Classical Pilates Studio may include features fitness/therapy tools made with man-made materials and plastics such as stability balls, BOSU, tubing, foam rollers, body bars, stretch bands, and suspension training systems