About Pilates

About Pilates

Interested in starting Pilates? You’re not alone. Pilates ranks in the top ten for fitness trends of 2008, out performing yoga! So what makes Pilates such a popular choice for exercise? Why do stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Madonna use Pilates to get in top shape and how can Pilates help you? 

Pilates is named for Joseph Pilates, a German gymnast who developed the form of exercise as rehab for himself. Pilates works by emphasizing core strength and stretching out bulky muscles while toning and balancing the strength of the smaller muscle groups. The Pilates method of exercise is safe and gentle on the body, making it an effective workout for people of all ages. Pilates works to create tone and definition in your body while it also helps to relieve back pain, neck tension and improve posture. Try Pilates to start seeing results!

Benefits of Pilates

        increases muscle strength, joint mobility, flexibility and muscle balance

        develops long lean muscles

        improves posture and alignment

        stimulates circulation and oxygen flow

        improves mental clarity

        helps prevent injury

        enables optimal performance for sports and activities

Principles of Pilates

1. Centering

2. Control

3. Concentration

4. Precision

5. Breathing

6. Flow

 

 

 

 

 

"I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They'd be happier." -Joseph Hubertus Pilates, in 1965, age 86