Pilates?!

I often get asked what I do for work and when I mention I am a Pilates Instructor mostly the perception is that I teach Yoga.

Yes there are similarities between the two exercises methods and they can compliment each other but Yoga is as similar to Pilates as boxing is to running.

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self” Bhagavad Gita

So what is Pilates?

The Pilates Method was developed in 1920’s by Joseph Pilates for rehabilitation not for spiritual purposes. As a child Joseph suffered from various illness and came up with a series of exercises to strengthen his body to overcome his physical limitations.

In World War I his exercises rehabilitated injured and bed ridden soldiers. Using their hospital bed springs as forms of resistance Joseph Pilates could strengthen their bodies whilst they were lying down – this was the birth of the Pilates Reformer.

By the time of the Second World War Joseph emigrated to America with his wife Clara where they set up a gym in New York City; working with dancers and performers improving their technique and rehabilitating their injuries.

Their studio housed original apparatus they designed, much of what you see in Studio 2 at PATS PILATES.

English was not Joe and Clara’s first language therefore they relied heavily on hand-on corrections to teach; “They wouldn’t talk, they would sculpt you” Mary Bowen a Pilates Elder once said. PATS PILATES continue to use this technique in our teachings to provide guidance, support and a better understanding of where and how to move your body and engage the correct muscles.

Pilates formally known as Contrology was based on 6 principles:

• Concentration
• Control
• Centring
• Precision
• Flowing Movement
• Breathing

The Pilates Method helps to improve posture, flexibility and core strength; you’ll begin to move with ease and increase your spinal strength. By focuses on developing core strength as well as internal support and stability around your joints will result in a safer and more effective way to exercise making Pilates a great form of exercise to complement other activities such as dancing, sports and active jobs.

“Contrology is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work” J.H. Pilates

Pilates is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. At PATS PILATES our classes are diverse and range from 6 year old children to men and women in their 80’s. The low impact form of exercise is kind on joints and can be adapted to suit your body’s needs by either by modifying or progressing the repertoire accordingly.

Want to know more about the Pilates Method and benefits or would like to book a detailed consultation contact us today.