Pilates
What Is Pilates?
The exercise method was developed by Joseph Pilates, a German-born
Rehab Nurse, who devoted his life to improving the posture and health
of his clients. Originally used on soldiers in internment camps during
WWII, it gained popularity with dancers in New York City as a way
to rehab and prevent injuries, and improve performance. Hollywood
and professional athletes eventually joined up and it has since become
a popular mode of exercise for everyone from elite athletes to office
workers suffering from back pain.
Pilates exercises focus on core postural muscles that help keep the
body balanced and are essential to providing support for the spine,
shoulder girdle, pelvis and hips. With a properly developed core – or
centre – we are less vulnerable to the strains of computers,
sport, child-bearing, age and injury. Participants gain awareness
of neutral alignment of the body’s joints, and strengthening
of deep muscles that support this alignment.
Contemporary knowledge of the body is our guiding force, incorporating
modern exercise principles into the original teachings. The work
is tailored to the student based on individual postural needs, and
the focus is always on precise, controlled, quality movements.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Increased strength, stability and muscle tone; improved joint mobility;
reduced risk of injury and muscular strain; enhanced alignment, coordination
and balance; enhanced sports performance; improved body image; relief
of tension and stress; heightened focus and awareness of body’s
movement.
Who benefits from Pilates?
Almost everyone. Participants range from 18-year-old athletes to
adults in their 70's. Pilates is adaptable to almost anyone’s
level of conditioning – injured, new to exercise or very fit.
Does Pilates help back injuries?
Because pilates strengthens the
deep support muscles of the spine, it is often therapeutic for back
pain. However, if you have current pain, have been recently injured
or have a recurrent condition, you must obtain documentation from
your practitioner (physiotherapist, physician, chiropractor) prior
to participating in a pilates program.
Note: If you are pregnant, you should not begin any new type of exercise
program without your doctor's consent.