About Pilates
Pilates is a unique form of body conditioning which incorporates core strength with stretch and control.
The system was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1930's. He called his method ‘Contrology’ and described it as a mental and physical discipline.
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It focuses on correct joint placement and alignment, natural muscle recruitment and balance. It uses mainly floor-based exercises to encourage reorganisation of postural muscles, develop the core, reduce strain on the heart and allow the organs to settle back into their original position within the abdominal cavity.
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Pilates is very different from other exercise regimes. The system is defined by; a set breathing pattern, few repetitions, and choreographed sequences of movement rather than static poses. It uses dynamic stretching, i.e. using one muscle group to lengthen the opposite acting muscles.
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Pilates is not a quick fix. Developing the skills and core strength takes time. Your journey begins with stabilising the body by using correct muscle recruitment and alignment. You then move onto more difficult exercises where bases of support are reduced promoting better balance, and loading is increased to improve core strength.
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There are 8 key principles
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Concentration
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Control
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Centring
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Precision
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Breathing
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Alignment
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Stamina
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Coordination
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Whatever you age, level of mobility or fitness, Pilates can help your body perform to its’ maximum capabilities. With an increasing life-time span we all need to keep mobile, agile and strong for a good quality of life and Pilates is an excellent lifetime study.
