Everybody Pilates

What Is Pilates?

Pilates is a method of exercise designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body and mind. It is a method of body conditioning used by athletes, dancers, men, women and for rehabilitation purposes. Pilates is a mind body modality that incorporates its own unique principles; Control, Co-ordination, Centering, Precision, Flowing Movement and Breath. Alongside the parts of the mind – Intuition, Intelligence, Imagination, Will/Desire and Memory – Pilates is a true mind body spirit exercise.

The Pilates method – originally called ‘Contrology’ was created by Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and suffered as a child from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. He chose to explore physical pursuits in order to overcome these ailments. By practising bodybuilding, gymnastics and diving and studying eastern and western philisophies and exercises he gained the knowledge to develop his own system of exercises – what we now know as Pilates.

Benefits of Pilates:

• Improved muscle balance, control and posture
• Improved energy levels
• Positive body awareness
• Injury prevention
• Efficient breathing
• Improved joint health
• Improved flexibility
• Improved circulation
• Reduced stress levels
• Improved concentration and memory