The Pilates Method
The Pilates method is a system of movement and therapeutic exercise developed over a span of 60 years by German born athlete and physical therapy pioneer, Joseph Pilates.
Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit. Through Pilates you first purposefully acquire control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities.
Fundamental Goals of Pilates Method:
- Flexible and decompressed Spine and Joints
Flexibility, decompression, and elongation of your body-muscles and joints, including the very important spinal column-are fundamental goals of Pilates method of body conditioning Decompressed joints throughout your body give you increased strength, mobility and energy.
- Uniform Development
Pilates develops body uniformly, correct wrong postures, restores physical vitality. It is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace and balance.
- Proper Breathing
Breathing
is the first act of life. Our very life depends on it. When you breathe properly, you have more stamina, feel more alive and alert, and are better able to concentrate.
- Robust Circulation
Pilates breathing and movement technique improve the quality of nourishment in your blood, and they improve your body’s delivery system for sending that nourishing blood to the muscles, organs, bones, and connective tissues of your body. Deep Pilates breathing also helps gets your heart pumping to stimulate the blood’s circulation.
- Body/Mind/Spirit/ Balance
With body, mind, and spirit functioning perfectly as a coordinated whole, what else could reasonably be expected other than an active, alert, disciplined person." Such a body freed from nervous tension and over-fatigue is ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well-balanced mind that is always fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living.