Introduction to Pilates

Pilates is a system of exercise and movement that is designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. It integrates breath and movement within proper body mechanics to increase awareness, and use all of the muscles of the body as they were designed. Most of the exercises focus on the pelvis and trunk, utilizing both stability and mobility to train the body. It can be practiced on a mat using your own bodyweight as resitance and sometimes small props, or on specialized Pilates Apparatus the Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chair Ladder Barrel and Arc. Pilates classes can occur in one-on-one or group settings. Pilates is for everyone! . Part of the beauty of the method is that it can be modified to fit the needs and abilities of each individual who practices it.

THE BENEFITS OF PILATES

Pilates is a mind, body, and spirit practice with benefits that include improved posture, better coordination and balance, increased lung capacity, improved concentration and focus, increased body awareness, stress management, and injury prevention and rehabilitation

One key benefit is an increase in muscle strength and tone primarily focused on the core muscles, as well as shoulders, arms, legs, and feet. Additionally, it can be practiced anywhere anytime! In this time of the pandemic where a lot of teaching is taking place online you can be led and cued by a teacher in the comfort of your own home.

The Core Principles of Pilates include: Concentration, Control, Centring, Breathing, Precision, and Flow.

BRIEF HISTORY OF PILATES

Pilates was developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. He was born in Germany in 1883. Although stories vary, it is known that he had asthma and other ailments as a child. He studied a wide range of exercises and movement, including the Greek philosophy of mind, body, and spirit, and developed his system to strengthen his own body. In his early years, he worked as a circus performer and boxer. He spent time in an internment camp in England during World War I, and after that began training others in the system he called The Art of Contrology. In 1926 he immigrated to the US, where he met his wife Clara. Together, they opened a studio in New York City, where they taught until his death in 1967.

Text courtesy of Pilates Anytime