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WHAT IS PILATES?

Pilates is a system of body conditioning, designed to strengthen and lengthen the body's muscles with emphasis on reducing incidence of back pain and injury.

It is an ideal anti-ageing exercise, because it tones and strengthens the muscles without the impact on joints. It improves posture and strengthens the parts of the body that age attacks, including the stomach muscles, inner thighs and upper arms. Many forms of exercise create tightening of certain muscles while over stretching others. Pilates is a method that aims to create a balance in the body, designed to cater for the needs of the individual.

Pilates can benefit individuals ranging from retirees, mums, dads, new mothers to footballers, triathletes, cyclists, rowers, dancers, Olympic and professional athletes and sports teams. When it comes to Pilates age is no barrier. Pilates is fast becoming more commonly used by individuals of varying ages and ability.

THE BENEFITS OF PILATES
The benefits of pilates are many and varied, however with time and dedication Pilates practice can:

 

~Improve strength, flexibility and balance

~Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk

~Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core

~Engage the mind and enhance body awareness

~Condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury

~Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching

~Restore postural alignment

~Create a stronger, more flexible spine

~Promote recovery from strain or injury

~Increase joint range of motion

~Improve circulation

~Heighten neuromuscular coordination

~Offer relief from back pain and joint stress

~Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury

~Enhance mobility, agility and stamina

~Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity

~Improve the way your body looks and feels

 

PILATES ETIQUETTE
Do

~Arrive on time for your class

~Enter the class quickly and quietly if you are late

~Feel free to ask your instructor questions during class

~Let your instructor know about any injury or health condition that may affect your ability to perform during class

~Turn your mobile telephone or any other item that makes a noise OFF

~Bring a towel

~Bring a drink bottle

~Remove your shoes

~Bring a pair of socks (preferably non slip)

~Wear comfortable appropriate clothing

 

Do Not

~Be a “No Show”

~Do any exercise that hurts you or gives you pain

~Use class time as “chat time”

~Wear strong fragrances as some clients have allergies

~Walk on the mats if you are wearing shoes

 

Enjoy yourself! Feel good that you are doing something positive towards improving your health and well being, laugh and most importantly remember “Rome wasn’t built in a Day!".

 

HISTORY OF PILATES
The Pilates Method was developed in the 1920’s by German born fitness innovator Joseph H. Pilates. Pilates is a series of exercises that can be performed on a mat or with specialised equipment.

Joseph Pilates interest in physical fitness stemmed from a determination to strengthen his own body and improve his health after a sickly childhood. With a background in yoga, Zen meditation, martial arts and other ancient fitness techniques plus some success as a gymnast, diver and boxer, Joseph devised a unique sequence of movements that worked the mind and body.

Joseph fine tuned his wellness regimen while interned in England during World War I. Working as an orderly at an infirmary, he engineered a way to rig springs on hospital beds to offer light resistance exercises to bedridden patients, and thus the seed for Pilates was planted.

In 1926 after the war, Joseph together with his wife Clara moved to New York and opened up a studio near the New York City Ballet. Many dancers took to Pilates for its ability to create long, lean muscles and a strong, streamlined physique.

Pilates has increased in popularity over the past 10 years as many have been seeking a gentler path to health and well being.