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I must be
right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a
day in my life. The whole country, the
whole world, should be doing my
exercises. They'd be happier."
- Joseph Hubertus Pilates, in 1965
Pilates
(pronounced “puh-lah-teez”) was
developed in the 1920s by the renowned
physical trainer and founder of The New
York Pilates Studio®, Joseph H. Pilates.
The Pilates Method is a system of over
500 controlled exercises focused on
engaging the mind and improving
flexibility and strength. Pilates
provides total body conditioning that
effectively improves posture and lung
capacity, reduces stress and creates
long, lean muscles without building
bulk. Interestingly, some of the first
people to use the Pilates Method were
dancers such as Martha Graham and George
Balanchine.
Pilates
exercises concurrently work several
muscle groups through smooth, sustained
motion, with effort targeted on
strengthening and stabilizing the core
or “powerhouse” –that is, the abdomen,
back and pelvic girdle region.
Unlike
many other exercise regimes, the focus
in Pilates is on quality of movement
rather than quantity, leaving one
feeling energized rather than exhausted
after a session. Pilates exercise
provides an efficient, holistic approach
to overall health and fitness so that no
one muscle group is overworked.
The basic
Pilates exercise system can be done on a
standard floor mat, however, some
exercises are best performed on
specialized equipment such as the
Pilates Reformer, Pilates Cadillac and
Ladder Barrel. In addition, other
accessories including balls, resistance
bands and Pilates rings can be used to
add more variety to the workout.
To ensure correct form and maximum
results, Pilates exercises should
ideally be practiced in a studio under
the direction of a certified Pilates
instructor, in either individual or in
small group sessions. However, As
Pilates continues to increase in
popularity around the world, classes are
also being offered in gyms, health
clubs, spas, rehabilitation clinics,
senior facilities and community centers.
There is
also a wide array of Pilates videos
available on the market today that allow
you to experience the strengthening,
stretching and toning techniques and
enjoy the benefits of the Pilates Method
in the convenience and privacy of your
own home.
If you have questions or need further
information about the Pilates Method or
other online fitness programs, please
contact Slimtree at
contact@slimtree.com. |
