What is Pilates?
Pronounced PI-LA-TEEZ, it is a conditioning program that provides simultaneous stretching and strengthening of the deep abdominal and back muscles, better know as the “Core” or “Power house”. The bodies stabilizing muscles are strengthened and this enhances posture and trunk stability in turn. Many dancers, athletes and physiotherapists have used Pilates for years to rehabilitate injuries and increase flexibility while strengthening muscles. Overall the method can balance and align the body, making sure that you can perform at optimum whether you are a sports person or a new mother wanting to get back into shape.
The Pilates method is perfect for any audience because it is a non-impact, balanced system that works well to challenge the fit, older and injured client.
What are the benefits?
- Increases body awareness
- Helps to align spine and pelvis and thus alleviates chronic pain caused by poor alignment
- Improves stamina, coordination, flexibility and joint mobility
- Deep lateral breathing oxygenates the blood system properly and helps to eliminate more waste products.
- Relaxes the body into a “meditative” state where one can concentrate better and make deeper connection with muscles.
The Pilates method incorporates 5 principles:
- Breathing
- Pelvic placement
- Ribcage placement
- Scapular Stability
- Cervical Placement
Once you have learned these 5 helpful principles you can start working on: Concentration, Control, Flow, Centering, Precision, Awareness, Harmony and Balance.
During a pilates session breathing is slow and controlled. After a workout excersisers feel refreshed and full of energy though rarely breaking a sweat. Devotees testify it can reshape hips, thighs and butt, increasing abdominal strength and muscle elongation and improve spinal alignment.
