The PILATES METHOD

Pilates is beneficial for a wide range of People, from total Beginners to professional Athletes, from pregnant women to seniors. Pilates is for Every Body. Rather then concentrating on specific muscle groups, the Pilates Method focuses on Moving the Body as a Whole. Building muscles without adding bulk, improving joint mobility, creating flexibility, and increasing energy.

The SIX PRINCIPLES of PILATES:

CONTROL

The Pilates method is based on mindfulness, with proper, safe, complete integrated muscle control. With the use of proper control, you're able to utilize the exact specific form, leaving no part of your body disengaged. with mindful awareness, you control each and every movement. 

CONCENTRATION

Concentration promotes the mind-body connection. As you begin to focus and become mindful of each body movement, you will receive optimum physical value from each movement while enhancing your body awareness.

BREATHING

Deep, Controlled breathing from the diaphragm activates blood Circulation and awakens the muscles. Joseph Pilates recommend visualizing the lungs as bellows as you bring air in to the fullest and release it in the same manner. He wrote that breathing is the most integral part of exercise. Learning how to breath correctly is the most important thing.

CENTERING

During the Pilates Workout, you should consciously bring your focus to the center of your body. As you focus and center yourself, this Pilates principle suggests a calmness will be brought to your body and spirit. Pilates refers to the center of your torso as your “powerhouse” from which all energy for exercise is derived.

PERCISION

According toJoseph Pilates, the precision principle , executing one exercise with deliberate exactitude is more important than completing more repetitions with a lack of form. For this reason, precise Pilates instruction provides detailed instruction to students on all Pilates Movements. 

FLOW

Pilates routines are completed through a gentle flow. Ease, fluidity and grace are the intention Joseph Pilates applied to all exercise. Smooth continuos movement as you transition from one pose to another will build strength and stamina.

The HISTORY of Joseph Pilates

Joseph Hubertus Pilates was born in Germany on December 8, 1880. He suffered from a range of debilitating conditions throughout his childhood. including asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. Determined to overcome his poor physical health, he devoted himself to the task of becoming as fit and strong as humanly possible.

In 1912 Joseph moved to England, to earn money he was a circus performer, self-defense trainer, and a professional Boxer. During World War 1 he was interned with other german citizens in a camp near Lancaster, where he trained other inmates in physical fitness. This was the beginning of the Pilates Method we know today.

In 1926 he immigrated to the United States and opened a fitness studio in New York City. By the early 1960’s Pilates worked with many important artists in the Dance Community. His famous clients including George Balanchine, Martha Graham, Ron Fletcher and many many others. Soon after he published Return to Life Through Contrology, in 1945 some of his students Began opening their own studios and the word of Pilates started to spread to the masses. 

In 1967, at the age of 87, Joseph Pilates dies without leaving a will. It was only after his death that Contrology became known as the Pilates Method.

BENEFITS

Building Lean Muscle

Creating Overall Flexibility

Joint Mobility

Increasing Energy

Injury Prevention

Injury Rehabilitation

PRINCIPLES

Breathing

Centering

Concentration

Control

Flow

Percision