About Pilates
Pilates or ‘Contrology’ as it was originally referred to, is an exercise regime invented by German fitness expert Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. It is a full body conditioning workout that focuses on alignment, breathing and strengthening the deep core muscles of the abdominals, hips, back, buttocks & legs.
Unlike some forms of exercise, Pilates does not over-develop some parts of the body and neglect others. While Pilates training focuses on core strength, it trains the body as an integrated whole. Pilates workouts promote strength and balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and increased range of motion for the joints.
Joseph Pilates was adamant that his method was about “the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit”. This is one of the secrets of Pilates exercise: we practice each movement with total attention. When we exercise in this way, the body and mind unite to bring forth the most benefit possible from each exercise. Like any athlete, dancer, or musician the repetition of basic skills are an integral part of the workout.
The Pilates principles; centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow are key concepts that we use to integrate body and mind.
What can pilates do for you?
- strengthens the whole body with emphasis on the core muscles
- builds stamina, strength and control
- corrects poor posture and alignment
- promotes weight loss and a long lean appearance
- improves flexibility
- stimulates the circulation
- increases lung capacity
- improves balance and coordination
- trains body and mind
- prevents back pain