About Pilates

Joseph Pilates believed that his Pilates method of movement would prepare people for any type of activity they wished to accomplish. He himself was a gymnast, boxer, yogi, circus performer, diver, and skier. He battled Asthma, Rickets, and Rheumatic fever and brought himself to abundant health through use of various pieces of equipment that he invented for this purpose. He focused on the principles of precision in movement, control, coordination, concentration, centering, and flowing motion in order to accomplish this.

Pilates is an exercise method, designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to balance. Based upon an anatomical understanding of the body’s muscular and skeletal systems, the Pilates teacher creates a comprehensive exercise programme for the client. Classes will focus on specific areas individually whilst using exercises that integrate the whole body to re-educate and restore it to optimum muscular and skeletal function.

It is this holistic approach that sets Pilates apart from many other forms of exercise. Osteopaths, physiotherapists and general practitioners recommend Pilates as one of the safest forms of exercise today. Pilates can be beneficial for just about everyone, regardless of age and fitness level.

In a nutshell Pilates changes the way in which we use our bodies. It changes muscle recruitment patterns, correcting common muscle imbalances, restoring good alignment and natural normal movement.

These are just some of the benefits of Pilates:

• Greater strength and muscle tone
• More efficient respiratory, lymphatic and circulatory systems
• Better posture
• A flatter stomach and trimmer waist
• Improved flexibility
• Less incidence of back pain
• Increased joint mobility
• Lower stress level