Pilates Defined
Pilates is named after its inventor, Joseph Pilates, who developed the exercises in the 1920s. In order to formulate his ideas he studied across a range of different sports and exercise disciplines. Joseph Pilates realized that most of us over develop the stronger muscle groups of the body, which ultimately leads to imbalance, better known as poor posture and spinal misalignment.
The primary focus of the Pilates method is strengthening the abdominal and back muscles that provide support, flexibility and power for the entire body. Targeting the deep postural muscles, Pilates works by building strength from the inside out, rebalancing the body and bringing it to correct alignment.
The exercises feature slow, deliberate, rhythmic movements with a very mindful emphasis on breathing and concentration. The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Pilates is a full body conditioning system that simultaneously builds strength, increases flexibility and endurance while improving breathing, balance and posture. You will develop acute body awareness that allows for performance of life's daily activities with greater ease.
