Pilates
Pilates can be defined as a physical conditioning program emphasising flexibility, inner core stability and strength. Practiced faithfully chronic pain can be alleviated, existing conditions can be rehabilitated and a Pilates trained body has the ability to avoid future injuries.
Pilates unites the body and mind. By concentrating and focusing your mind, you can firm, tone and strengthen your body. Pilates has become the exercise regime of the moment! All over the world people are talking about it, participating in it and getting great results.
Pilates yields numerous benefits including increased lung capacity and circulation. This is achieved through deep healthy breathing which is a primary focus. Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, co-ordination-both muscular and mental, these are all key components in an effective pilates program.
Posture, balance, and core strength are all increased. Bone density and joint stability improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time. Pilates unites the mind and body, along with the obvious benefits of improved strength and flexibility. These benefits are not only for athletes but also for the average person.
Sports people can benefit greatly from pilates because of increased stability and mobility of the joints.
Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of ones life.
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. At the age of 30 if you are not supple and toned, you can feel 60 but at 60 if you are supple and toned you can feel 30.
Joseph Hubertus Pilates
Benefits
- Strengthens the mind
- Increases flexibility and prevents injuries
- To speed up rehabilitation from injuries and enhance mobility
- Increases energy levels
- Improves postural alignment
- Increases strength and muscle tone
- Reshapes the body
- Improves breathing and circulatory system
- Alleviates chronic back pain
The History of Pilates
Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880, he appears to have been a frail child suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. His drive and determination to overcome these ailments led him to become a competent gymnest, diver and skier.
After working as a Circus Performer, Boxer and Self defence Instructor he developed and taught a "matwork" system that was influenced by Yoga, Zen and Ancient Greek and Roman regimens that he named "Contrology".
After working with Wartime disease and injuries he also devised rehabilitation equipment to create spring resistance movements for the bedridden. Pilates immigrated to the USA in the early 1920's and opened a studio that became very popular with the dance community. Word travelled very quickly because of the success of his programmes.
In 1932 he published a booklet entitled 'Your Health' and in 1945 'Return to Contrology'. Through these writings and his students, his method was passed on after his death in 1967 at the age of 87. Pilates always felt that his work was 50 years ahead of it's time.
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