what is pilates?
Pilates [pronounced Pil-ah-tes] exercises work on the whole of the body. Getting to know how to strengthen core muscles will provide stability and support during everyday tasks .Learning to breathe properly will help to focus your mind and reduce tension in the neck and upper body. Exercises will focus on aligning the body correctly from start to finish using concentration, control and fluidity. You will learn more about your body it’s strengths, weaknesses and capabilities and by breaking movements down to their simplest form will develop body awareness. Principles taught will become part of your everyday life!
history
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany and as a child suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. He studied both Eastern and Western forms of exercise and by the time he was 14 was posing for anatomical charts. During WW1 he was interned in a detention camp where he trained other prisoners in physical fitness .After a brief time back in Germany he left for America and during this journey met his soon to be wife Clara. In 1926 he set up the first Pilates studio in New York. where gymnasts, dancers, actors and the elite of society trained. Over a period of sixty years Joseph Pilates developed a series of floor exercises and specialised equipment calling his method ‘the art of Contrology’
principles
breathing: In pilates we use lateral thoracic breathing which means breathing full and wide into the sides and back of the ribcage.
centering: This is when you stabilise your core by activating the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles which will allow your limbs to move freely.
concentration: Being aware of how you are moving and controlling even the smallest of movements.
flowing movements: This means moving slowly with grace lengthening away from your centre.
precision: Each movement has a purpose .The last movement being as precise as the first.
alignment: Aligning the pelvis, ribcage and shoulders will provide a safe and stable framework.