What is Pilates?
Based on the teachings of Joseph Pilates,
the Pilates Method of training is designed to
work the whole body in an efficient and balanced way. The Pilates
Method has been in continuous use in the United States
since 1926 when its creator Joseph Pilates and his wife
Clara immigrated to New York City from Germany. Our focus is on
re-educating your body's neuromuscular
system and releasing inefficient patterns of movement
allowing you to get in touch with the most effective
ways of being in the body. The philosophy of awareness
in movement and total body/mind workout is the foundation
of The Pilates Zone.
Pilates exercise focuses on postural symmetry, breath
control, abdominal strength, spine, pelvis and shoulder
stabilization, muscular flexibility, joint mobility and
strengthening through the complete range of motion of all
joints. Instead of isolating muscle groups, the whole
body is trained, integrating the upper and lower extremities
with the trunk.
Integration of proper alignment, body positioning
and correct breathing
promotes a strong development of the core muscles of
the trunk (such as abdominals and back muscles), or
the "Powerhouse". Achieving greater stability of the
core muscles provides an inner "girdle" and a return
to ideal posture allowing movement with grace and ease.
Results include long, lean muscle tone with a strong
abdominal center.
Regular Pilates practice energizes your body and increases
its endurance by improving your strength and flexibility,
as well as your breathing, circulation and posture.
Proper breathing is central to every Pilates exercise.
Joseph Pilates believed that you had to clean your lungs
with every breath, completely emptying them of "stale"
air before refilling them. Deep breathing "oxygenates"
your system, sending oxygen coursing through your arteries
and throughout all your body tissues.
Movement is focused and deliberate towards a specific
goal so each session requires a concentrated mind. Through
repetition and repatterning, the mind discovers the
body; which creates new, efficient movement. The idea
is to glide through exercises making very challenging
moves look and feel effortless. With the guidance of
an instructor, people learn to listen to their body
and make appropriate changes in how they move; whether
participating in a sporting event, work activities,
or general daily living.
Joseph Pilates said, "If you will faithfully perform
your Contrology exercises regularly only four times
a week for just three months… you will find your body
development approaching the ideal, accompanied by renewed
mental vigor and spiritual enhancements."
>> back to top
Who can do Pilates?
- Pilates is for Kids
- Pilates is for Athletes
- You're never too old
- You're never too unfit
>> back to top
Benefits
- Increase strength and flexibility
- Improve Posture
- Develop Coordination and Endurance
- Reduce Stress
- Excellent for Rehabilitation
- Increase Vitality and Circulation
- Body/Mind Awareness
>> back to top
1 | 2
|
