What is Pilates?
"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure."
Pilates is a unique method of stretching and strengthening exercise developed more than 90 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates. His work was first enjoyed by dance greats such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham. Now, everyone from elite athletes and celebrities to workout novices and grandparents are benefiting from its effects.
The benefits of Pilates include:
- strengthening and toning of deep muscles
- improving body shape and posture
- enhancing flexibility and balance
- increasing range of motion
- creating awareness of the body-mind connection
The method is a series of controlled movements performed on specially designed spring-resistant exercise apparatus (the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Barrel, and the Wunda Chair) or on the floor (mat work), and the sessions are supervised by specially-trained instructors.