What Is Pilates?
Pilates builds overall body strength without bulking up muscles through specific attention given to lengthening the body. It develops endurance and control as it improves flexibility, agility, and stability. Verbal “cues” and coaching are used to help students focus on the quality of their movements. Quality over quantity is emphasized in Pilates as proper alignment is key to getting the most out of the exercises.
Pilates focuses on the muscles in the abdomen, the back, and hips which together are referred to as “the core.” Pilates also implements exercises for spinal articulation to improve postural alignment and to increase mobility.
Correct alignment, control, breathing, flowing movement, and concentration are all fundamentals of this exercise regime.
Joseph Pilates was a boxer, bodybuilder, gymnast and circus performer who developed this unique system of mind-body exercise to rehabilitate injured soldiers during World War I.
He referred to the core muscles as “the powerhouse” and originally called his system “Contrology” as one had to train the mind to guide and control the body through these movements. It was after his death in 1967 that his system became known as Pilates.
“Pilates is complete coordination of mind, body, and spirit”
—Joseph Pilates