What is Pilates?
Alignment
“Through Pilates this unique trinity of a balanced body, mind, and spirit can ever be attained. Self-confidence follows.”
The benefits of Pilates are infinite. Beyond the visible physical benefits, the whole body working in tandem with mind and spirit can improve more than just strength and mobility, but ones overall sense of wellbeing. Striving for alignment goes beyond your physical self.
Precision
“Concentrate on the correct movement each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all vital benefits.”
I see Pilates as pre-habilitation. When we articulate our body in a precise way, giving every muscle, bone, and joint attention, we keep them operating optimally
Portland, Oregon, United States
Balance
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”
Balance in movement and balance in live is what we strive for when incorporating Pilates into your fitness routine. Joseph Pilates believed that emotional health and happiness was undeniably linked to physical well being. I wholeheartedly agree and believe that if we can keep moving, breathing deeply, and challenging our bodies, our appreciation for life will grow.
Flow
“Contrology is not a system of haphazard exercises designed to produce only bulging muscles.”
The Pilates method is about health, not bodybuilding. It was created to "limber and stretch muscles and ligaments so that your body will be as supple as that of a cat, not muscular like a brewery-truck horse". Finding flow in your movements requires more finesse than "muscling through" exercises.
Control
“Not only is health a normal condition, but it is our duty to not only to attain it but to maintain it.”
Joseph Pilates believed that we start life in good physical and emotional shape and that modern life gradually erodes our health. It is vital that we focus on controlling our movements and breath to halt that decline
Coordination
“Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”
Pilates is not just about great posture and a strong "powerhouse". By incorporation coordination, which requires immense concentration, we start to re-wire muscle memory.