THE PILATES METHOD OF BODY CONDITIONING

“It is the mind itself which shapes the body.”
Fredrich von Schiller as quoted by Joseph Hubertus Pilates

Pilates pronounced Puh-Lah-Teez. Pilates is not expensive stretching and fancy sit-ups. It is a movement system that is: -

Core-based – centered – controlled – fluent – flowing – focused

Fearless – flexible – coordinated – energetic – graceful – precise

Slow – stabilizing – oppositional – paradoxical – ethereal –elegant

It encourages focused rhythmic breathing to develop stamina and endurance and with the concentration to control movements it improves mental focus making Pilates a workout of the body and the mind.

Many words to describe a formula of exercises borrowed from Yoga, Dance, Gymnastics and Weight Training yet it also includes original movements that distinguish them from other disciplines.

The Pilates Method consists of over 500 exercises to be done on the Mat or on one of the many pieces of equipment that Pilates himself developed. Some of these pieces of machinery clearly look like medieval torture devices with their straps and springs. The exercises are designed to strengthen the core, lengthen the spine and encourage long, lean muscles and increase or develop flexibility. The exercises whether performed on the equipment using spring resistance or the mat using gravity, are designed to build bone mass and strength. The sequence of exercises at whatever level is designed to work all body parts and muscles in a full range of movement.

The Pilates Method helps ............

Anyone of any age, size and level of physical fitness

Anyone who requires rehabilitation work on their back, knees, shoulders and hips

Anyone who wants to become fit with a long, lean, strong muscle tone, improved posture and flexibility

Anyone who wants to improve their running, tennis, dance, golf or other sports and activities can do so by learning the Pilates rules of engagement

What more can be said about Pilates, now the most popular exercise system in America. Everyone is doing it, an encouraging testimony to its universal appeal to all people.

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany, a sick and frail child and he spent most of his early life working hard to restore his health and condition. His obsession with fitness paid off and he became an accomplished skier, diver, gymnast, yogi and boxer. During the First World War, while interned in a camp on the Isle of Man off Britain, he used makeshift hospital beds with springs that later evolved into the equipment we use today to rehabilitate patients. Later upon emigrating to New York in 1923 he started to train and rehabilitate professional dancers such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham and from there the Pilates Method developed and grew into what it is today.

For more information and appointments please call
φ-Sel Nyima
718 360 9018