The Pilates Method
The Pilates Method or simply
Pilates, pronounced "Pih-lah-tees" is a
system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates.
Joseph Pilates called his method Contrology, because
he believed his method uses the mind to control the muscles.
Pilates is a body-conditioning method that works
in a different way to other fitness techniques. Targeting the
deep
postural muscles, it works by building strength from the inside out,
rebalancing the body and bringing it into correct postural
alignment. It helps to reshape your body, which will
become longer, leaner and more toned. It will also improve your
posture, achieving the perfect balance between strength and
flexibility, and a great way to relieve unwanted stress and tension.
Ideal for athletes looking to enhance their performance and avoid
the risk of injury; it is equally suitable for first time
exercisers. Its slow, controlled approach means that it gives
longer term results and it is especially recommended by medical
specialists for those with back problems.
Pilates offers both mental and physical
training, literally teaching you to be in control of your body. By
improving body awareness and focus, tension is released from the
body and correct postural alignment is taught. The Pilates Method
encourages you to breathe more efficiently by breathing laterally
into the lower ribcage. The creation of a girdle
of strength is one of the primary aims and is achieved by
strengthening the deep postural muscles that stabilise the torso. By
correcting imbalances, sound muscle recruitment patterns are
encouraged and the body is realigned. Precise, controlled, flowing
movements mean that the muscle and ligament damage, sometimes
associated with other fitness regimes, is avoided. Pilates, in fact,
plays a key role in many injury rehabilitation
programmes in dance, sport and general practice.
In summary Pilates is the ultimate mind-body workout,
a fitness
phenomenon !
"My method develops the body uniformly,
corrects wrong posture, restores physical vitality, invigorates the
mind and elevates the spirit"
Joseph Pilates