I believe movement can bring joy and positively change your life.
And the right kinds of movement allow you to take care of your precious body and function in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Many workouts tend to work the same muscles over and over, causing weak muscles to get weaker, strong muscles to get stronger. This leads to muscular imbalance, poor body alignment, injury and even chronic pain. Other punishing, no pain, no gain workouts can leave your body constantly trying to recover and feeling hungry, bulky, tight and tense.
Pilates is a flowing movement technique that evenly conditions the body— even the ankles and feet — and emphasizes breath awareness, body alignment ( pelvic and spinal) and gentle yet strengthening exercises. It develops a strong core which consists of deep abdominal muscles along with muscles closet to the spine. For many individuals, an added benefit is that many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions and most are low-impact and partially weight-bearing. Pilates is for everyone and can be modified to allow for a range of difficulty from beginner to advanced.
The roots of the technique are steeped in the philosophy and movement patterns designed by Joseph Pilates over 90 years ago. It has been practiced since the 1920s when Joseph and Clara Pilates opened their Body Conditioning Gym in New York City. They soon established a devoted following which included George Balanchine and Martha Graham who sent their dance students for Pilates training and rehabilitation. Today his core method is still taught in studios around the world and focus attention on core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and provide support for the spine.
“I invented all these machines…it resists your movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it. That way you can concentrate on movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it.” – Joseph Pilates
Pilates has stood the test of time with an exercise regimen that safely builds flexibility, strength, and stamina.
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