"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness"
"A man is as young as his spinal column"
Joseph Pilates
PILATES - Did you know that the term Pilates is actually the name of the man who invented this method?
Joseph Pilates was a German boxer and physical trainer who, over the course of his life, and after becoming a prisoner of war, developed the mind-body method he called “Contrology” (which we now know as Pilates). Along with developing the actual exercise routines, he also invented the equipment we now find (and love!) in most Pilates studios around the world: the Reformer, Wunda Chair, Cadillac, Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel and the Magic Circle. He was gifted with an incredibly inventive mind.
Pilates is beneficial for all ages and ability levels because it is a low impact exercise program that emphasises core strength, stability, flexibility and correct alignment of the pelvis and spine. Each exercise is designed to target specific groups of muscles, while also calling into play crucial stabilising muscles. Breathing techniques are used to effectively cue the abdominals to support each movement, with the idea that all movements should start with accurate abdominal stabilisation, and only after followed by initiation of movement by the main mover muscles.
Because Pilates exercises are executed with control, focus and precision, those who practice it regularly quickly gain a much greater sense of body awareness, strength, balance and overall wellbeing. The most important and valuable effects are actually felt in everyday life and when practicing other activities. In fact, many athletes now call on Pilates to help them further improve their skills, prevent injuries and even rehabilitate existing ones. Pilates has become such a sought-after method precisely because the exercises are highly functional, i.e. designed to use and combine muscle groups that we need to carry out our daily activities with balance and good posture.
Joseph Pilates also put great emphasis on the mind-body connection and its importance in movement.
"The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power" Joseph Pilates
"A man is as young as his spinal column"
Joseph Pilates
PILATES - Did you know that the term Pilates is actually the name of the man who invented this method?
Joseph Pilates was a German boxer and physical trainer who, over the course of his life, and after becoming a prisoner of war, developed the mind-body method he called “Contrology” (which we now know as Pilates). Along with developing the actual exercise routines, he also invented the equipment we now find (and love!) in most Pilates studios around the world: the Reformer, Wunda Chair, Cadillac, Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel and the Magic Circle. He was gifted with an incredibly inventive mind.
Pilates is beneficial for all ages and ability levels because it is a low impact exercise program that emphasises core strength, stability, flexibility and correct alignment of the pelvis and spine. Each exercise is designed to target specific groups of muscles, while also calling into play crucial stabilising muscles. Breathing techniques are used to effectively cue the abdominals to support each movement, with the idea that all movements should start with accurate abdominal stabilisation, and only after followed by initiation of movement by the main mover muscles.
Because Pilates exercises are executed with control, focus and precision, those who practice it regularly quickly gain a much greater sense of body awareness, strength, balance and overall wellbeing. The most important and valuable effects are actually felt in everyday life and when practicing other activities. In fact, many athletes now call on Pilates to help them further improve their skills, prevent injuries and even rehabilitate existing ones. Pilates has become such a sought-after method precisely because the exercises are highly functional, i.e. designed to use and combine muscle groups that we need to carry out our daily activities with balance and good posture.
Joseph Pilates also put great emphasis on the mind-body connection and its importance in movement.
"The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power" Joseph Pilates