Undoubtedly you have heard the buzz surrounding the "latest fitness craze" called Pilates but what is all the hype about? Is this method just another passing fad? Seriously, what is Pilates?
The Pilates Method is a full body exercise program, developed by the legendary physical trainer Joseph Pilates in the early 1900's. As a child, Joseph Pilates sought ways to develop his frail body, and as a result he established his life long interest in body conditioning and physical culture. The result of his personal passion has become what is known as the "Pilates Method."
A native of Germany, Joseph grew to become an accomplished skier, diver, gymnast and boxer. He had been dissatisfied with the approaches to physical training that already existed and so he studied both Eastern and Western exercise disciplines. He combined Eastern methods such as yoga that emphasize mental relaxation, breathing and suppleness, with Western methods that generally seek to maximize competitive strength and endurance.
While interned in England during World War I for his German citizenship, Joseph became a nurse and then in 1926 Joseph immigrated to the United States. He believed that corrective exercise should begin with education and total body conditioning. To develop the body uniformly, he designed over 500 specific exercises. Pilates sessions are tailored to the needs of each student. Lessons are usually done one-to-one with a trainer or in closely supervised small groups.
The method emphasizes body alignment and correct breathing, using the abdomen, lower back and buttocks as a power center and enabling the rest of the body to move freely.
It's hard to put into words exactly why the Method is so special. The Pilates Method rewards you with suppleness, restoring muscular balance to your body while improving your posture. It uses your entire body, not just isolated muscle groups. You look forward to your workout as it engages you, leaving you refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental well-being. It is a truly unique exercise program, just ask someone who has tried it!
The ultimate goals of the method are an extremely high degree of abdominal strength, full body control, greater flexibility, integration of the spine and the limbs and most significantly, the combined power of body and mind. By performing many different exercises for a low number of repetitions, the muscles are strengthened, elongated and toned without creating bulk. Total concentration on the body during each exercise emphasizes movement quality, co-ordination and breath.
Pilates is a proven and acclaimed conditioning program that has helped people strengthen and empower their bodies since the 1920's. To use the words of Joseph Pilates, "You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions and have a completely new body in 30 sessions."
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