Pilates
is an exercise system founded by Joseph Pilates [pronounced Pee-lah-teas]
over 70 years ago. It is only now that the public are discovering
this method, which was traditionally kept exclusively to the dance
world. The system promotes a holistic approach
offering a mind and body experience.
The
key principles forming the criteria of the method are:
•
Restoring the body back to an optimum posture.
•
Core stability, which involves strengthening central body muscles
to support the pelvis and spine.
•
Breathing and alignment.
•
Sequential spinal movement.
•
Increased body awareness which will help to decrease unnecessary body
tension.
•
Increase in muscular flexibility to create lengthened muscles.
This
system has been developed over the years with anatomical research
and discovery.
Who
can benefit from this exercise system?
This
system can be used by a wide range of people, with different needs.
The 'Pilates'repertoire is vast and caters for those rehabilitating
from certain injuries or operation. Also
people wanting to improve their general posture and tone-up, as well
as top class athletes and performers.