What is Pilates?
Imagine an exercise regimen that you actually looked forward
to attending. A program that engages your mind and body,
leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated, and in a state
of physical and mental well-being. The Pilates system (pronounced
puh-lah-tees) of body conditioning offers this, and more.

The Pilates system is a total body workout that focuses on improving
strength and flexibility, while the natural curves of the spine are restored.
With specifically designed equipment and the supervision of a certified Pilates
instructor, slow controlled movements requiring intense concentration and
coordinated breath are preformed.

Who is Joseph Pilates?
While interned in England during WW1, Joseph H. Pilates
became a nurse. Using hospital beds and springs he designed
an exercise program for immobilized patients that worked to
reawaken their bodies through movement, and their minds through
conscious thoughts. This method formed the foundation for his style
of total body conditioning and specialized equipment. He introduced his
unique method of exercise in New York in 1926, and in no time a who's
who of the sports and entertainment world were practicing Pilates.

What are the benefits of Pilates?
-Improves posture
-Heightens body awareness
-Improves coordination and circulation
-Increases flexibility and agility
-Creates longer leaner muscles
-Easy on joints
-Strengthens core
-Improves quality of life

What's the difference from other workouts?
Unlike weight training, where typically one muscle group is
focused on at a time, Pilates focuses on the "core" stability
(abdomen, low back and buttocks), as the limbs work at the same
time. Instead of doing multiple repetitions with weights, fewer precise
moves are performed . Long, lengthened muscles are obtained verses
bulky. It is traditionally practiced one on one, or in a small supervised
group with the appropriate apparatus. With over 500 exercises,
one is highly unlikely to become unchallenged or bored. Since Pilates is
non-aerobic, adding cardiovascular exercise to your workout is an ideal combination.

Who is it for?
Regardless of your current level- from sedentary office
worker to fitness enthusiast, a program can be designed for you
to meet your specific needs and goals. Pregnant women can safely
use Pilates as a means of achieving proper breathing techniques
and body alignment, improve their concentration, and recover body
shape and tone. It is an orthopedists as a rehab exercise and physical
therapy program. When doing any type of workout, remember to listen
to your body and only do as much as you feel comfortable with.