What is Pilates?

Almost 100 years ago, Joseph H. Pilates developed a technique originally termed “Contrology”. By emphasizing proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and concentration on smooth, flowing movement, Pilates’ exercises train you to become acutely in tune with your body. You learn how to control your movement.

Pilates can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion – invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.

In Pilates the quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency Pilates exercises develop a strong “core,” or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine.

More conventional or traditional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles – the type most prone to injury. A lot of these same conventional workouts tend to work the same muscles. This tends to lead weak muscles to get weaker and strong muscles to get stronger. The result is muscular imbalance – a primary cause of injury and chronic back pain. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.

Pilates conditions the whole body, even the ankles and feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned; helping you enjoy daily activities and sports with greater ease, better performance and less chance of injury. That’s why so many professional sports teams and elite athletes now use Pilates as a critical part of their training regimen.