Pilates

What is Pilates ​   

Joseph Pilates’ exercise method is much more than a collection of physical exercises. Based on a strong philosophical foundation and observation, Pilates formed a core set of principles upon which the Method is built. Understanding and working with these principles will help you make the most of your Pilates practice.

1. Centering: Pilates originates all movements from the center, or core, of your body encompassing your abdomen, lower and upper back, hips, buttocks, and inner thighs—also known as the “powerhouse” of the body. Pilates movements begin in the center and move outward to the limbs. Large muscle groups, our spine, and organs are all supported from this powerhouse.
   
2. Concentration: In order to maintain control (the next principle), it’s important to maintain concentration and remain fully aware of your body during each movement. How you perform an exercise is as important as the exercise itself.
    
3. Control: Pilates movement is not about intensity but control, and controlled exercise yields the greatest benefits while protecting muscles from injury. In fact, control was so important to Pilates that he called his method “Contrology.” At first, you may find it difficult to control every aspect of your movements, but as your skill level increases through practice, you will enjoy increased control.
    
4. Precision: Each exercise has a specific procedure and quality that it’s important to followed precisely. As you practice concentration and gain control, you will enjoy the increased awareness and precision with which you are able to practice each movement. You will gain more benefits from a few precise movements, than more movement done sloppily.
    
5. Breath: It’s important when practicing Pilates movement to breath fully and purposefully, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Breathing is our link between the inside and outside of the body, as well as the mind-body connection. And, while breathing is normally something we do automatically without thinking, focusing on your breathing promotes awareness and helps you deliver the optimum amount of oxygen to the muscles being used.
    
6. Flowing/Efficient Movement: You may be used to exercising rapidly, using jerky movements (think jazzercise and step). In contrast, Pilates, like disciplined dance forms, focuses on quality of movement rather than quantity or intensity. Quality is about tone, balance, and flow rather than repetition. By concentrating on precise and controlled movement, you will achieve movement efficiency, with a balance between muscle contraction and relaxation.
    
7. Alignment: Correct alignment, stabilizing the pelvis, is an important aspect of Pilates practice, as faulty alignment negative affects your abilities to concentrate, center, breath properly, maintain correct posture, and achieve balanced, efficient, movement.

History of Pilates

The Pilates method of exercise was developed by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. Born in 1880 in Germany, he was a sickly, frail child who became interested in physical fitness to improve his strength. He became an athlete, participating in such sports as diving, boxing, skiing and gymnastics. Interned in England at the outbreak of World War I, he developed a fitness program for his fellow internees. Pilates claimed it saved them from the influenza epidemic of 1918. Pilates called his method "Contrology", claiming, according to the ancient Greeks' philosophy that "the nearer one's physique approached a state of physical perfection, the nearer one's mind approached the state of mental perfection." He incorporated resistance using springs into rehabilitation programs for hospitalized patients, later translating the springs into machines to create the unique Reformer equipment now used in Pilates training.  

Developed in the 1920s by Joseph H. Pilates, this exercise regimen combines elements of Yoga and Tai Chi with Western emphasis on strength and stamina by focusing on the core muscles of the abdomen while increasing flexibility in the legs, arms, and smaller muscle groups without building bulk. Concerned with the process itself, Pilates method uses specifically designed exercise apparatus for a series of controlled movements condition your body and mind aiming to create a balance in the body, and specifically designed to cater for the needs of each individual. 

Joseph Pilates set up his first studio in New York City, attracting the elite of New York and dancer from the neighboring New York City Ballet. Joseph Pilates' work grew in popularity and for many years has attracted dancers, athletes, actors and other in search of a beautiful, balanced body, one with strong but not bulky muscles. 

Pilates' work is now taught worldwide and there are many certifying institutions that claim linkage to Pilates' original work. While each Pilates institution maintains and individual style of teaching and instruction training, the basic values are the same: exercises executed with attention to correct postural alignment, effective use of breath, strength, flexibility, muscular endurance and neuromuscular coordination. Pilates is a true example of mind-body fitness.​

Quotes from Joseph Pilates

The mind when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power.

Change happens through movement and movement heals.

The Pilates Method teaches you to be in control of your body and not at its mercy.

In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference , in 20 you'll see the difference, and in 30 you'll have a new body

Everyone is the architect of their own happiness