All About Pilates

History and Description of Pilates,
Joseph Pilates & Body Conditioning

What is Pilates?

pilates studioPilates is a system of body conditioning designed to develop strength and flexibility. This series of over 500 precisely designed exercises emphasizes control, precision and concentration in both the mind and the body. The method uses apparatus specifically designed by Joseph Pilates to center and strengthen the body as a whole. 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). The exercises are low-impact, using the abdominal wall as the source of strength for the entire body, and ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Pilates improves posture, increases circulation, and reduces stress by focusing the mind and the body to work together for total fitness. The focus in Pilates is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity. The end result is defined muscle tone without the bulk of traditional weight training programs, along with increased flexibility. You feel great!

Who was Joseph Pilates?

Born in Germany in 1880, Joseph H. Pilates had a lifelong interest in body conditioning. As a frail child dedicated to becoming stronger, he later grew to become an accomplished skier, diver, gymnast, and boxer.

While interned in England during World War I for his German citizenship, Pilates became a nurse. During this time, he designed exercise apparatus for immobilized patients by attaching springs to hospital beds. This system formed the foundation for his specialized exercise apparatus and style of body conditioning, known as Contrology. In the 1920’s, Pilates took his physical regime to the United States where he, along with his devoted wife, Clara, opened his first studio in New York City.

Currently, the Pilates Method is used internationally by individuals at all levels of fitness, as well as by physical therapists, chiropractors, dance companies, celebrities, sports teams, and professional athletes.

Principles of Pilates

  • Concentration - Concentration is the key element to connecting your mind and body. Conscious control of movement enhances body awareness.
  • Control/Precision - The Pilates method is built on the idea of muscle control. It’s not about intensity or multiple reps, it’s about proper form for safe, effective results.
  • Centering - We have a large group of muscles in our center, or core, encompassing our abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks. Developing a strong center enables the rest of the body to function efficiently. All action, or energy for the Pilates exercises initiates from the core and flows outwards to the extremities.
  • Stabilizing - Before you move, you have to be stable. Stabilizing from the deep, small core muscles, as well as from the superficial abdominals, is a safe and highly effective starting place for movement.
  • Breath - Breathing is the first act of life and the last, so it is imperative to learn to breathe correctly. Deep, coordinated, conscious patterns of inhales and exhales initiate movement, help activate deep muscles and keep you focused.
  • Alignment - Proper alignment is the key to good posture. Faulty alignment negatively affects breath, posture, and movement just as the dominance of one muscle group can affect the quality of movement.
  • Fluidity - Pilates focuses on smooth, continuous motions, rather than quick, jerky repetitions. There are no static, isolated movements in Pilates because our bodies do not naturally function that way.
  • Integration - Several different muscle groups are engaged simultaneously to control and support movement. All principles integrate to achieve a mind-body workout.

 

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