What Is Pilates?
Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. In addition, pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body’s “core” or “powerhouse” (torso). People who do pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury, and experience better overall health. Joseph H. Pilates, the founder of the pilates exercise method, was born in Germany. As a child he was frail, living with asthma in addition to other childhood conditions. To build his body and grow stronger, he took up several different sports, eventually becoming an accomplished athlete. As a nurse in Great Britain during World War I, he designed exercise methods and equipment for immobilized patients and soldiers. In addition to his equipment, Pilates developed a series of mat exercises that focus on the torso. He based these on various exercise methods from around the world, among them the mind-
An innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates. These exercises can be performed on the floor (or mat) or on specially designed equipment such as the Reformer, the Cadillac, the tower or the Wunda chair. Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels, and performs. Pilates focuses on centering, alignment, breathing, control, precision, flowing movement, stability, and range of motion. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, sculpted body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. Increased body awareness resulting in precise, controlled and fluid of movement. Pilates teaches body awareness and good posture and results in graceful movements. Pilates improves flexibility and agility and economy of motion. As always, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor before you begin any exercise regimen.
• A system of exercise that targets the deep muscles of the abdomen and spine and strengthens the abdominals while protecting your lower back. • Lengthens muscles as they are strengthened, resulting in long, lean STRONG muscles without the bulk. • Works on improving alignment without gravity so that muscle imbalances are corrected and posture is improved. • Though it has recently become popular, a young German named Joseph Pilates created this system during WWI, focusing mainly on rehabilitation.
