Founded by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s, Pilates combines deep core strengthening with stretching to reshape the body and improve overall postural alignment. Each movement finds its purpose in the founding six principles of Pilates – centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow.
Whether practicing on the mat or on the spring-loaded equipment Joseph himself designed, muscles quickly lengthen and become noticeably leaner while joints strengthen and stabilize. Lung capacity and circulation also improve given Pilates’ deliberate focus on the role of breath in movement.
As a method, Pilates teaches control and concentration of both the body and the mind in pursuit of balance. One without the other does not achieve the wholeness Joseph Pilates believed possible. Strengthening the core will naturally lead to better spinal alignment.
Pilates is accessible to individuals of all fitness levels and ages. It can be practiced as a standalone fitness endeavor or done in addition to any type of physical training regime or rehabilitation process.