What is Pilates?

Pilates, pronounced (“Pih-LAH-Teez”), is a System of Physical Fitness developed in the early 20th century by Joseph H. Pilates.

Originally named, Contrology, the exercises focus on the mind controlling the muscles.  The muscles are responsible for keeping the body balanced and the skeletal system stable.  Yet without proper attention, the muscles can become weak and out of balance.  This in turn causes the joints to move improperly and dis-ease can occur.  Wear and tear on the body, over an extended period of time, can increase one’s chances of injury and body degeneration.

Pilates exercises teach proper use of muscles, alignment of the spine and body awareness.  By strengthening the deep postural muscles, small joint muscles and then the larger groupings, the body becomes more structurally sound and stable.  This is true no matter how young or aged an individual is, as long as the mind is willing to become aware, the body will follow along.

How is Pilates done?

There are floor exercises that utilize a person’s own body weight and there are equipment exercises that either assist or create resistance.  Both methods are used at the studio and based on each client’s needs, appropriate modifications are made.

What benefit does Pilates have?

*Increase in energy * Better posture * Improved range of joint motion * Reduction of joint pain  * Increased stamina * Clear mental focus * Increased breathing capacity * Toned muscles  * Improved flexibility….. these are just some of the benefits that can be expected.  There are many health related issues that can be improved as well, such as  high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol.   

At the studio:

Each client is evaluated and assessed to determine their unique fitness characteristics.  Then together we establish goals that not only enable change in the clients body composition, but challenge the client to become more flexible, toned and muscularly balanced.

There is no exact time frame for one to see the results of their work, however, as Joe says “As small bricks are employed to build large buildings, so will the development of small muscles help develop large muscles.”

Each session builds upon the teachings of the previous one, so that faulty body patterns can be corrected and new one established.  How aggressive you want to be is entirely up to you!

To find out of Pilates is right for you, schedule your complimentary evaluation.  What are you waiting for? 

Pilates by Leslie