The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.
– Joseph Pilates
The classical Pilates method (also known as Authentic Pilates/Romana’s Pilates) is designed to increase strength, flexibility, coordination, alignment, posture, and balance. It is a unique method of exercise that uses specialized equipment to create a full-body workout. Pilates focuses on developing core muscles without building bulk. It strengthens the deep torso and abdominal muscles known as “the powerhouse.” It incorporates breathing patterns with specific exercises that increase mind-body awareness.
History of Pilates
The founder, Joseph Pilates, was born in Germany in 1880. After suffering a series of illnesses as a child, Joseph dedicated his life to improving his health and fitness ability. He resonated strongly with the Greek philosophy that a person should be balanced equally in mind, body, and spirit. During World War I, Joseph worked as a nurse and invented exercise equipment by attaching springs to hospital beds for injured soldiers. Over time, he developed other pieces of apparatus and a series of controlled exercises that form Pilates as we know it today.
Pilates Today
Nearly a century later, physical therapists, chiropractors, and orthopedists continue to discover the benefits of the Pilates Method. Since each Pilates session is conducted one-on-one or in small groups, people of all ages and levels of fitness can reap its unique benefits, including sedentary, injured, or a fitness professional,
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates students experience:
- Increased energy, muscle tone, and bone density
- Longer, leaner, stronger, toned muscles
- Core and spine strength with increased mobility
- Maximum flexibility with peak strength
- Reduced risk of injury