Since 1920, Pilates has been practiced by thousands.

The Pilates Method was created by Joseph Pilates during World War 1, while he was a prisoner of war in England. He developed a collection of exercises that strengthened the core and postural muscles while balancing the musculature of the body, thru precise and efficient movements. This series of about 500 exercises is based on inspiration from calisthenics, yoga and ballet. The development of the Method took place using the bed springs of hospital beds, to help wounded soldiers stay strong and healthy before discharge from the hospital.

Joseph introduced his method to New York City, in the 1920’s, to dancers looking to complement their dance training with strengthening and toning of muscles while maintaining flexibility and stability. Before long, Pilates became known as a successful way to prevent injury and rehabilitate injuries in dancing and athletic circles. In the 1980’s, Pilates became “the thing to do” in Hollywood among it’s celebrities. It has grown in popularity through the ensuing years, so that now the wider world community practices the Pilates Method.

Why is Pilates good for You?

 

Safe rehabilitation.

Pilates helps you to stabilize your spine, to help you rehabilitate an injury to your joints and/or spine and to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

Improve circulation and lung capacity.

In the measured deep breathing cycle used during a Pilates session, your diaphragm helps pump the blood and lymph fluid through your circulatory system. This also will help you to increase your useable lung volume.

Manage stress.

Pilates requires concentration and focus, because you are finding a center point to control your body through various movements. This allows you to let other distractions melt away.

 

Improve posture.

By enhancing muscular control of your back and limbs, you help correct muscle imbalances. By recruiting the proper muscles to do their job, you can let others rest from overwork. This helps you to relax your shoulders, neck and upper back.

Increase strength and tone of the core.

Concentrating on keeping your core ( ab muscles, lower back, hips, buttocks ) still while moving your arms and legs independently helps the core to get stronger and more stable, and balances strength in both sides of the body.

Increase body awareness.

Pilates is based on putting yourself into unstable postures and challenging your body, by moving your limbs. Focusing your attention on the stability while moving helps you feel different parts of your body doing the work of movement.