What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system of exercises performed on both the mat and specialized apparatus. The system was designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Now called Pilates the method was originally called “Contrology” – The unity of proper breath, control of the body, concentration of the mind and the flowing rhythmic movement of the mind connected to the body.

Joseph once said, “Physical fitness is the 1st requisite of happiness, he believed that modern civilization impaired physical fitness. His method was created to develop the body uniformly, correct wrong postures, restore physical vitality, invigorate the mind, and elevate the spirit.

Pilates reveals much about ourselves. When we commit to the practice of Pilates, we realize that there is never a “quick fix” to anything that matters. We matter. Our bodies matter. Our minds matter. Pilates unlike many other forms of exercise, looks at the whole body, the whole person. We begin to understand ourselves differently. We see ourselves differently. We present ourselves differently.

Pilates is a practice that can be continued as we age. When we practice Pilates there is no age limit. In fact, we often get better with age! Pilates is progressive. The more consistent we are the better able we are to execute the work. Our joints get better, instead of worse. Our muscle tone improves and most importantly our spines get straighter and our breathing improves. As Mr. Pilates said, “We are only as old as our spines. If our spines are inflexibly stiff at 30 we are old. If they are completely flexible at 60, we are young!”

“Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work.”~ Joseph H. Pilates