What is Pilates?
The Pilates (Puh-LAH-teez) method was named
after its inventor, Joseph Pilates, who was born in Germany in 1880. Joseph
was an asthmatic, frail child determined to overcome his physical weakness.
In 1912 he left for England to train as a boxer and also teach self-defense
to Scotland Yard detectives. During World War I he was thrown into an internment
camp to work as a nurse. It was here that he focused his knowledge of body-building
towards rehabilitating injured soldiers. Experimenting with springs attached
to hospital beds, he enabled his patients to start applying movement and
resistance to their muscles. From this experiment sprung the idea of the "Universal Reformer" (a
wooden bed utilizing pulleys and springs which exercise the entire body).
Awareness, Breath, Balance, Center, Control, Concentration, Efficiency, Flow, HarmonyThese principles are essential ingredients in a high quality Pilates workout. The method has always emphasized quality over quantity, and you will find that unlike many systems of exercise, Pilates exercises do not include a lot of repetition of each movement. Instead, doing each exercise fully, and with precision, yields significant results in a shorter time that you would ever imagine.
The Essence - is proper breathing and control over your body and its muscles, with particular emphasis - on the abdomen. The method focuses on building a strong "Central Core" by strengthening your abdominal wall and spine. There are over 500 exercises, many based on Yoga and dance. Rather then many reps, each exercise is performed only a few times but with intense concentration on form and precision.
Who is it for? The Pilates method has caught on world wide. Dancers and physical therapists have long been zealous about Pilates: George Baldachin and Martha Graham were early enthusiasts. Current-day devotees include Uma Thurman, Sharon Stone, Gina Gershon, and Madonna. What is extraordinary about Pilates is the broad appeal. Dancers do it to maintain flexibility and stay fit; athletes do it to gain endurance. Unlike running or aerobics, Pilates is safe for the elderly, people with injuries, and even pregnant women. At the Pilates Body Studio exercise programs are individualized to meet the specific needs of each client, with special consideration given to your age, fitness level and health condition. Each client is supervised by certified instructors. This resistance-based exercise program will challenge your mind and body simultaneously, leaving you feeling flexible, strong and invigorated.
Benefits of Pilates Exercise
Prenatal Pilates is a program designed to offer gentle,
gradual muscle strengthening and flexibility work
that, aids greatly in muscle toning through all trimesters.
Pilates will enhance every woman's care for nine months
and will shorten labor and
delivery for those who take
time to participate faithfully
in their workouts. Pilates
is a great workout to train
and tone the muscles used
during delivery.
Baby & Me for new moms! Bring your baby to class and enjoy one hour of
equipment exercises that tone, lengthen, strengthen and refresh!
Pilates for Golf retrains the body to overcome its natural tendencies and compensations, resulting in lower scores, longer and more consistent drives, and reduced risk of injuries. The golf-conditioning program builds strength while simultaneously increasing stability, flexibility, balance and core control: all the elements essential to improve your swing!
Strength + Flexibility = Better Golf
Equestrian Pilates will help you Develop Balance & Symmetry, Improve Flexibility, Increase Tone & Strength, Enhance Low Back Suppleness, Create Hip Independence, Correct Body Misalignments, Develop Core Abdominal Muscles, and Create Mind Body Consciousness.