Pilates is a form of exercise and body conditioning developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, and was called Contrology at the time.
Pilates promotes strength, stability, and flexibility. Some of the principles that guide the Pilates method include concentration on each movement, use of the abdomen and low back muscles, flowing movement patterns that are precise and a steady and controlled breathing. Pilates exercises can be performed on specially-designed apparatuses, or on a mat.
Practice of Pilates:
- increases core strength
- improves posture
- decreases back pain
- prevents injuries
- increases energy
- enhances body awareness
- decreases stress
- reduces menstrual pain
- improves flexibility and mobility
- improves balance
- boosts immunity
- improves cognitive functioning
- enhances sport performance
- strengthens bones
- boosts mood
- improves sleep
There are 6 principles of Pilates. They summarize the philosophy of the Pilates method and are essential to getting the most out of every exercise.
- Centering: This is the practice of bringing your awareness to the center of your body—the area between the lower ribs and pubic bone. This central region of the core powers all Pilates exercises.
- Concentration: By focusing on each exercise with your full attention, you will yield maximum results from each movement.
- Control: Complete muscular control requires conscious, deliberate movement and is emphasized in every Pilates exercise.
- Precision: Sustained awareness ensures that each movement is precise. This means the appropriate placement of each body part, and focusing on proper alignment and core engagement.
- Breath: Joseph Pilates advocated for using the lungs to strongly pump the air fully in and out of the body. Most Pilates exercises coordinate with the breath since the breath is integral to the method.
- Flow: Pilates exercises are not meant to be rigid. Fluidity, grace, and ease are applied to every movement. The idea is that the energy of an exercise performed from the central “powerhouse” connects each part of the body to move in a single fluid motion. Pilates equipment such as the reformer is a great indicator of flow since it functions best when a practitioner is performing movements with both precision and fluidity.
FaceBodyFit offers private or semi-private Pilates mat classes online. Please contact us here.