Lifestyle Pilates

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Pilates is based on a series of exercises established by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s. His original goal was rehabilitation from injury and to decrease pain; which is still the core function of Pilates. This form of exercise has been extensively researched and is a widely accepted technique used by Physical Therapists and athletic teams world-wide.

 

Over the past 100 years, Pilates has evolved multiple methods (or schools) of practice,  all of which maintain a foundational set of principles:

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1) core control for improved posture. Activating the muscles in the deep core act like a brace to help keep the spine elongated which in turn allows for greater movement range and less compression of nerves exiting the spinal column.

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2) breathing. Expand lung capacity and synchronize breath with movement. 

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3) head, neck and shoulder alignment. Decrease pain due to chronic muscular tension and joint misalignment of the upper body.

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4) equal weight bearing through the extremities. Reduce muscular discrepancies and compensatory patterns leading to less pain in the knees, hips and low back.

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5) coordination. Work the Right and Left side of the brain simultaneously. Increase neural plasticity.

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6) full body integration. Create seamless grace and ease of movement

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Although Pilates is best known for abdominal strengthening it can be a full-body work-out, particularly when specialized equipment such as the Pilates Reformer is used. Emphasis is placed on activating muscles deep in the body around joints, such as the spinal column, that allows for proper alignment and support, decreased pain and increased mobility.

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Who Should teach Pilates?

Only Instructors who have completed Pilates training from a reputable source and passed examination should teach Pilates. Depending on the level of training, course requirements are between 214- 520+ hours for equipment based Pilates certification (i.e. Reformer)

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