Pilates
Pilates (pronounced "puh-lat-eze") is a system of exercise created by Joseph H. Pilates in the early 1920's. In 1923, he brought his unique method of physical and mental conditioning to the United States where it was used predominantly to train dancers and athletes. In recent years it has become a common form of exercise for the mainstream population. It is a form of isometric exercise developed and practiced to simultaneously stretch, strengthen, tone and align the body, while eliminating excess tension and strain on the joints. Pilates strengthens the deep core muscles of the body and creates length in the spine by bringing awareness and focus inward. Through a series of matwork exercises,
the workout creates long lean muscles on the outside and stabilizes the muscles that wrap your spine and support every day living. The Pilates repertoire flows through detailed matwork to address strength and flexibility with a core connection present. What are the muscles that make up your core? The core muscles are all of muscles below your neck and above your knees. More specifically, they are the muscles that support your spine and include the muscles of your shoulder girdle, pelvis, and abdominal area. People typically think "Abs" but it is much more than that. In the abdom
inal area, the muscles worked are the rectus abdominus, obliques, transversus abdominus, spinal extensors and pelvic floor. These muscles commonly known as your powerhouse, in addition to your shoulder girdle and pelvis are connected and working (or should be) the entire time you are in a Pilates class.How does Pilates help? Pilates is a critical component of a fitness program because there is a strong focus on posture and muscular imbalances. We train you to perform work that will get you closer to a "neutral spine". Imbalances in the muscles surrounding your spine often lead to pain or dysfunction. The inward focus of Pilates and awareness of neutral addresses these imbalances specifically. For this reason, Pilates is a posture improving and pain preventative workout that can improve a person's overall health and well being.
Why do Pilates principles go hand and hand with strength training? We are only as strong as our core. Because Pilates
addresses the deeper layer muscles which are responsible for the support of your spine, a workout that accesses those deeper layer muscles first and then works the extremities will be safer and more effective. Many people have low back pain because of dysfunction in this area. Their transversus abdominus is not properly engaging before the external muscle they are working. Pilates specifically addresses these issues by teaching the participant through a mind-body connection to stabilize the core before mobilizing the extremities. This awareness is invaluable and useful for a lifetime of exercise and proper movements that will balance the muscles of the body. 