What is Pilates

Imagine an exercise program that you look forward to, that engages you, and leaves you refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental well-being. The Pilates Method (Puh-lah-teez) of Body Conditioning will do all of this.... and more. Developed in the 1920s by the legendary physical trainer and founder of the Pilates Studio, Joseph H. Pilates. The Pilates Method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the entire body without building bulk. The Pilates Method is not just exercise, however. It is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by extensively trained teachers. Joseph H. Pilates designed more than 500 specific exercises; using five major pieces of unique apparatus to develop the body uniformly. Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, Joseph H. Pilates preferred fewer, more precise movements, requiring proper control and form. Because your mind is required to engage with your body to perform the movements correctly, you experience a new awareness of muscle function and control. The powerhouse - abdomen, lower back and buttocks - is supported and strengthened, enabling the rest of the body to move freely.