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WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates (pronounced Pill-AH-teez) is an 85-year old system of movement education developed and taught by Joseph Pilates. Practiced for years by dancers in New York, the method is now growing in popularity nationwide as baby boomers turn to Pilates for relief from aches, pains, and injuries resulting from years of exercising -or simply years of living
Four basic pieces of equipment provide the total Pilates workout. Most of the exercises are designed to simulate normal functional movement. Slowly and carefully, with the assistance of lightweight springs, therapists work with clients to elongate muscles and improve spinal control. Pilates develops the body's core - those inner abdominal and mid-back muscles that act as the powerhouse of the body. Clients learn to initiate movement from this powerhouse, allowing their arms and legs to move fully on a stable spine. With time and practice strength increases, as do control, concentration, proper mechanics, fluidity, flexibility, and grace. Joints decompress, pain and stiffness decrease, and muscles gradually come alive, resulting in greater command of the body. Each session leaves the participant with a sense of well being, heightened body awareness, and improved self image.
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