About Pilates
Joe Pilates
What is Pilates?
Pilates (originally named “Contrology”) was designed by Joseph Hubert Pilates in the 1920’s as a system of exercises that are designed to build lengthen and balance muscle strength, and allow for a flexible spine throughout life. This is a co-factor of correcting breath, strengthening the smaller intrinsic muscles which are then combined with the larger dominant muscles to create a balance of forces. Each Pilates exercise focuses on awareness (concentration), breath, control, precision, centering (alignment), coordination, stamina, and flow. These movement techniques are performed using the body and mind in a self or spring resistant, non-impact environment, such as the “Cadillac” “Reformer,” and “Combo Chair” so toning muscles are achieved without stressing the joints.
Quotes from Joseph H. Pilates about Pilates (Contrology)
-“Contrology (today Pilates) develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit” – J. H. Pilates
-“Above all, learn how to breathe correctly.” – J. H. Pilates
- “ the only real guide to your true age lies not in years or how you think you feel but as you actually are as in the degree of natural and normal flexibility enjoyed by your spine throughout life.” – J. H. Pilates
-“a method to accomplish a counteraction to the harmful inherent conditions associated with modern civilization.”- – “Physical Fitness is the first requisite of happiness” – J. H. Pilates
WHO CAN PRACTICE PILATES?
Through a comprehensively certified Pilates Teacher the original fundamentals of Pilates work are adapted to the individual to achieve a positive transformation for virtually everyone! Pilates movement techniques are designed and adapted so EVERY BODY can benefit including those wanting to start a healthier lifestyle and those already dedicated to healthy lifestyles, the young to the golden age, pre and post natal, athlete to injured. The emphasis of breath, core strength, and balancing muscle use results in an energy efficient use of the body and mind leading to a stronger leaner and more flexible body, dynamic function and wellness.
BENEFITS OF PILATES (some):
When practiced faithfully and efficiently, Pilates yields numerous benefits that extend into life’s daily movements and activities.
• Strength and flexibility, particularly the muscles surrounding your torso “the core”
• Posture, coordination, balance both muscular and mental (a neural stimulation)
• Increased lung capacity and circulation via effective, healthy breathing
• Bone density and joint health improve
• Improve athletic performance and prevent injury
• Tone an promote weight loss
• Many experience positive body awarenessfor the first time
-“Physical Fitness can neither be obtained by wishful thinking nor outright purchase.”
-J. H. Pilates
-When practiced faithfully “In ten sessions, you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you’ll have a whole new body.” –J. H. Pilates
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