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What is Pilates?
Pilates is a conditioning program developed by Joseph Pilates that improves muscle control, flexibility, coordination, strength and tone. It's concern is the process itself: experiencing all movement from the inside out by focusing on the present moment instead of placing the entire emphasis upon "doing". Through continuous involvement in the process of movement, the goal is reached by a natural evolution, in contrast to a forced result.
Pilates is a series of exercises integrating control, flexibility, strengthen precision, breath, fluidity of movement, and body awareness. The complete Pilates method involves both apparatus and mat exercises. This system tones and strengthens the whole body while focusing on proper alignment, increasing range of motion and flexibility without putting undue stress on the joints. Pilates develops strong abdominal and postural muscles to support the skeletal system and act as the "powerhouse" of the body.
The basic principles of Pilates conditioning are to make people more aware of their bodies as single integrated units, to improve alignment and breathing, and to increase efficiency of movement Pilates consists of a sequence of carefully performed movements, some carried out on specially designed equipment. Each exercise is designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles involved, opening the joints and releasing tension. There is a specific breathing pattern for each exercise to assist in directing energy to those areas while relaxing the rest of the body.
Pilates works many of the deeper muscles together, improving coordination and balance, to achieve efficient and graceful movement. Rather than pursuing the unrealistic goal of having an ideal or perfect body, the practitioner develops a healthy self-image, through the attainment of better posture, proper coordination and improved flexibility. Pilates requires more personal supervision than other exercise programs, but in the long run it is safer and more effective. Use of several key pieces of equipment add dimension and create resistance as well as support.
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