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History
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| Picture courtesy of Balanced Body. |
Joseph Pilates, born in 1880 in Germany suffered
from several medical problems as a child. He turned to different exercise forms to improve his health and body image.
Drawing from each of them as well as from his knowledge of anatomy and exercise science, formulated a system known today as
the Pilates method.
After moving to New York in the 1920's his studio soon attracted actors, dancers and athletes
who found a method that perfected and complemented their traditional programs and also catered for their individual needs.
Building strength without adding bulk, balancing that strength with flexibility and achieving the perfect harmony between
mind and body.
Pilates still attracts many leading figures from the worlds of performing
arts and sports where it is used extensively. It is also being used increasingly to complement the work of physiotherapists
and osteopaths.
What Makes Pilates Different?
Pilates offers both mental and
physical trainning. By improving body awareness and focus, tension is released from the body and correct postural alignment
is taught. One is encouraged to breathe more efficiently
by breathing laterally into the lower ribcage. The creation of a “girdle of strength” is one
of the primary aims of the method and is achieved by strengthening the core postural muscles that stabilize the torso. By correcting imbalances, sound muscle recruitment patterns are encouraged and the body is realigned. Precise,
controlled, flowing movement means that the muscle and the ligaments damage, sometimes associated with other fitness regimens
is avoided. Pilates, in fact plays a key role in many injury rehabilitation programs in dance, sports and general practice.
Based upon a well constructed philosophical foundation, the core of the method is “awareness of your
own body” and each and every exercise is build around its eight key principles: Relaxation,
Breathing, Concentration, Flowing Movements, Alignment, Coordination, Centering, and Stamina. By bringing together body and mind, Pilates literally teaches you to be in control of your
body, and allows you to handle stress more effectively and achieve relaxation more easily. The end result
is a body that is long and lean, supple and strong.
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"Carolina's
ability of patient instruction and Mind/Body connection has changed my life in indescribable ways".
- Rose
Drake.
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