What is Pilates ?

Joseph Pilates’ original sequence of 34 mat exercises is still going strong in studios nationwide.

The exercises involve the use of muscles that you may not use on a daily basis. After the initial soreness, you'll find that your muscles will be much more toned. This is especially good for older people and those who are normally quite sedate in their daily life as muscle tone is usually lost with age and inactivity.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Pilates is that it is a form of yoga. Physicist Joseph Pilates infused his belief that both mental and physical health is interrelated in this physical fitness system.

Because Pilates focuses on strengthening your core which includes your abdominal muscles, you'll find that one of the benefits of Pilates is that it will result in a flat stomach.

Pilates caters to everyone – it is not just for women as many seem to believe.

As we age we tend to lose the flexibility we had when we were young. Pilates will restore your flexibility, gently at first of course. After a while though, you'll be amazed at how much more flexible your body has become. This is especially important for avoiding injuries from falls.

Hollywood celebs including Madonna, Uma Thurman, Kyra Sedgwick, Christy Turlington, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Claire Danes, Molly Sims and Russell Brand all rely on Pilates to stay fit and healthy.

Through the mind-body connection which is taught in Pilates you will become much more aware of how your body moves and performs. Therefore Pilates not only improves your physical balance through correct posture but will also restore your mind-body balance.

Pilates as a form of exercise was developed in the early 20th century.

When doing the exercises, you'll be totally engrossed and won't be able to think about all those responsibilities that weigh you down on a day to day basis. You'll be more focused on your breathing and on the moves that you are making with your body. This is an excellent way to relieve stress.

Pilates requires maximum concentration – it’s all about precise movements and it demands a lot of concentration.

Because Pilates focuses on providing balance between your mind and body it gives you an overall sense of well-being.

‘Contrology’ is Pilates’ second name – Joseph Pilates believed that whoever is practicing Pilates should be in constant control of each and every movement.

Because Pilates is a muscle strengthening form of exercise it can help you to trim and tone certain areas of your body especially your stomach, legs and buttocks.

Classes can be tailored to offer either a gentle exercise program for providing core strength, flexibility and balance or a complete workout for a more rigorous exercise program.

– Pilates equipment was invented by Joseph Pilates during the World War I. In 1912, before the war, Joseph left Germany for England, where he worked as a self-defence instructor for Scotland Yard detectives.

Bear in mind though that Pilates is not classed as an aerobic exercise, so for effective weight loss you should combine your Pilates exercises with a healthy diet and some regular aerobic activity such as walking, swimming or cycling.

At the outbreak of World War I, Joe (along with other German nationals living in England) was interned as an “enemy alien”. It was during his internment that he refined his exercise ideas, training other internees, and helping bedridden patients to exercise by attaching springs to hospital beds. This innovation was a precursor to his later equipment designs.

Pilates works mainly on your core which includes your abdominal area and your spinal area. This is why Pilates can be extremely beneficial for people who suffer from lower back pain.

Joseph Pilates’ wife Clara, played a significant role in the original Pilates studio, which the couple opened in New York, after emigrating to the US in 1926. While Joe tirelessly promoted the benefits of his exercise method, Clara diligently incorporated his concepts and exercises into treatments that aimed at rehabilitating seriously ill or injured clients. In this way, Clara played a significant role in the Pilates method being recognised as a movement-based exercise that can be tailored to any level of fitness, health or injury.

Other areas of your body that are strengthened and toned through Pilates include your legs, especially your upper thighs, and your buttocks.

Pilates has also been useful for people who suffer from arthritis as it helps to keep your joints flexible. Because Pilates strengthens the thigh muscles this may be particularly useful in preventing arthritis and knee injuries.

Originally referred to as “Contrology”, Pilates has become one of the most popular workout classes in America and across the globe. Developed in the early 20th century, Pilates was intended to focus on the art of control – of the body, mind, and muscles

When you're just starting out, a mat on the floor is really all you need. A lot of the basic beginner exercises can be done this way. Once you become more advanced you might like to seek out a gym or studio which offers private Pilates classes, we of course offer Pilates classes at each of our gyms.

Joe Pilates’ original sequence of 34 exercises is still widely used, save for a few modern adaptations. This exercise system is one that carries numerous health benefits, in addition to being a fun, motivating class that can be done in a group setting. While a lot of emphasis is placed on developing a strong core