What is Pilates?

J. Pilates created a system utilizing both equipment and mat based exercises to encourage natural, efficient, strong movement patterns that carry through to our everyday life. There is meaning and purpose to every single exercise.

The History & Roots

Joseph Pilates:

You may have only recently heard of Pilates but it was actually developed during World War I by Joseph H. Pilates when he was placed in internment in England. His work started while he was rehabilitating other prisoners of war. He initially called this form of exercise “Contrology.” The concept is the comprehensive integration of body, mind, and spirit.” Initially he created resistance exercise equipment with the use of bed springs which led to his invention of the Reformer and Cadillac. He continued to develop additional equipment to assist a wide variety of body types and postures.

What makes Pilates different than other exercise?

Your mind and body reconnect in Pilates unlike any other form of exercise. As you practice Pilates you will use your mind to control your muscles and feel deeper connections in your body. The movement radiates out through your core which in many cases is different than how you have ever moved before. This change in movement pattern will be learned over time so patience is important! Pilates focuses attention on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and provide support for the spine. Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath, alignment of the spine, and strengthens the deep torso and abdominal muscles.

Pilates is all about quality vs. quantity and that is exactly what you’ll get at our studio!

You do not need strength or flexibility to start Pilates. As you practice Pilates you will gain both of these things and a whole lot more! As you advance in Pilates you will develop precision in your exercise that puts even greater challenge into your workout!

Get in tune with your body using the 10 BASI Pilates Principles:

Incorporating the movements of the body and the mental aspects of the work, these 10 principles offer a road map for internalizing the work for the ultimate transformation of mind, body and spirit:

All Pilates movements have meaning and to find that meaning requires concentration and focus. 

As you concentrate you will find control and as you practice control you will fine tune your precision. It is very easy to go through the motions of a Pilates exercise without truly practicing Pilates. Zoning out is not encouraged, the meditative aspects of Pilates will happen as you tune in to your body awareness.

Incorporating the Pilates Principles is what makes all the difference! 

We are all on a constant journey forward to improve our skills and awareness. Pilates will always keep you challenged, learning, growing, and experiencing things you were never aware of before. As you continue to practice you will feel deeper work and grow stronger. We welcome you to start learning!