What Is Pilates?

Pilates method is a system of movement and therapeutic exercise developed over a century ago a span of 60 years by German born Joseph H. Pilates. Utilizing the specialized equipment he designed, the method works by toning muscles as well as balancing muscular force at the joint level. It stimulates circulation through facilitating muscular elongation, joint range of motion and proper musculoskeletal alignment. Pilates helps to re-pattern your movement, re-align your body and restore it to balance. In addition, Pilates promotes new neuromuscular patterns, heightened body awareness, and more precise coordination. All these things combine to help prevent future re-injury and reduce - even in some cases alleviate - chronic pain altogether. Pilates can be adapted to each individual's level of proficiency regardless of age, gender, or level of fitness. It is suitable for anyone looking for an effective and safe workout.

The six key principles of the Pilates Method are control, concentration, centering, flow, precision and breath. Emphasizing proper breathing, alignment of the body, and mental focus, the controlled series of rhythmic, balanced movements uniformly develop the body. The exercises are designed to strengthen and elongate the muscles without adding bulk, improved abdominal strength, increase flexibility and joint mobility, realign the skeletal system for better postural alignment, improve balance, coordination, and increase bone density. Over time, students of Pilates notice a uniformly developed body with long lean muscles and balanced joints, and most significantly, the power of the mind directing the body.

Benefits of Pilates

Pilates is used to rehabilitate spine problems. The method strengthens, lengthens, and balances spinal musculature, thereby aligning and decompressing injured vertebrae and helping to relieve nerve and disc pressure. This decompression facilitates and stimulates healthy circulation to the damaged spinal tissue. The pelvic and spinal stabilization work in Pilates also helps to prepare the body for rehabilitation of other weak or damaged areas more effectively.

Other Benefits of Pilates

• Increased abdominal strength
• Increased length, strength & muscle tone
• Increased flexibility
• Increased awareness
• Amplified energy
• Improved Life Balance and Relaxation from the commitment to consistent study of Pilates and/or Yoga
• Postural improvement
• Balance & Coordination
• Injury prevention & rehabilitation
• Increased level of fitness

Today, Pilates is offered in hospitals, medical offices, universities, health clubs, and private studios worldwide. As both a rehabilitation, fitness, and wellness program Pilates is a wonderful complement to sports, weights training, physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy and many other therapeutic or physical fitness systems.