PILATES

Pilates is a method of exercise developed by German born Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century.  It is a form of exercise that is suitable for everyone, and is used on many different levels, from injury rehabilitation to training for sports and dance.  All forms of Pilates are based on the original 34 moves and follow the same basic principles.

The 8 basic principles

Concentration:  It is essential to focus on the movements during Pilates to gain better awareness and to get the most benefit from the exercises. The mind-body connection is the key to body awareness.  “Where the mind goes the energy follows”.

Breath:  Developing the breathing technique increases the oxygen supplies to the body and the brain.  It helps to alleviate stress and tension, enables you to connect more deeply and makes the exercises safer.

Centering:  The center of your body is the center of your power.  Working on the deep abdominal muscles strengthens the core, supports the back and enables the body to work in unison.

Control:  Using controlled movements against gravity increases strength and endurance of the muscles.

Precision:  The Pilates technique gives you plenty of time to execute the moves with precision which will give you the greatest benefit.

Movement:   At the beginning of learning this method the exercises are broken down into different elements to facilitate understanding.  They are then built back up to become continuous flowing movements with a graceful quality.

Isolation:  Isolating different muscles and movements gives you a better understanding of the body and gives you an opportunity to work weaker muscles and create balance. Harmony comes from the integration of the isolated parts.

Routine:  It is important to make this part of your life, with regular sessions or classes.  Personal practice is essential and the more you practice the quicker you get results.

Benefits

The benefits of Pilates are numerous. Improving the posture makes you look and feel better. It allows better functioning of the internal organs.  It can alleviate back pain and headaches.  It assists in rehabilitation and helps to prevent further injuries. It can be used by anyone from the young to the elderly.  It is recommended by physiotherapists, osteopaths, midwives and GPs.

“ Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit”  Joseph Pilates.

For more about the method and Joseph Pilates himself www.pilatesfoundation.com

 

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