Pilates was developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates and is a method of exercise focused to improve both strength and flexibility. Pilates is an exercise form emphasising body alignment and correct breathing while focusing on the lower and deeper abdominals on the one hand and the mid-back and part of the shoulder muscles on the other. The goal of Pilates is to provide a greater understanding of postural alignment during movement of the human body in the three dimensional planes. This is achieved by controlled movements, proper biomechanics and flow of movement in a variety of positions (standing, prone, side-laying, supine, sitting & kneeling ).
Through Pilates, people are instructed in how to move according to the body's natural harmony and alignment - moving in a way that the body is designed to move. Joseph Pilates emphasised that the way the body is used in the modern world (with people sitting all day, engaging in repetitive tasks) cannot remain healthy, and his Pilates exercises were designed to address this problem.
The Pilates Method of body conditioning promotes physical harmony and balance for people of all ages and physical conditions while providing a refreshing and energizing workout. Because conditioning sessions are done one-to-one with a certified teacher or in closely supervised small groups, each session is tailored to your specific needs. Regardless of your current level of fitness - from sedentary office worker to fitness enthusiast - the Pilates Method can be your primary mode of body conditioning and injury prevention.
Recently discovered by physical therapists, chiropractors and orthopedists, The Pilates Method of body conditioning can also be integrated into rehabilitative exercise and physical therapy programs designed to speed recovery of soft tissue injuries.
The Pilates Method can be safely used by pregnant women to learn proper breathing and body alignment, improve concentration, and recover body shape and tone after pregnancy.