Peace with Pilates

We currently have no classes scheduled for pilates, but please stay tuned as we will be offering small classes again sometime after the clinic moves in July 2012.

Tired of pumping it to the max? Stretch without the strain with a Pilates workout.

Question: What do you get when you cross exercise and physiotherapy?

Answer: Pilates

Pronounced Pi-lah-teez, a technique created in the 1920's by the German Joseph Pilates. It combines elements of yoga, breath work, weight training, gymnastics and martial arts, all aiding in bringing the body into correct alignment.

Joseph Pilates was born in Dussledorf in 1888 – a frail and sickly child who suffered from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. He pioneered this fitness philosophy in order to combat his own disabilities and to create and maintain a structurally fit body. Living to the healthy old age of 87, Joseph Pilates believed that most of us have bodies which are imbalanced due to some muscles being wrongly developed, ultimately leading to poor posture and spinal misalignment.

Pilates is a form of exercise that is suitable for all fitness levels – the idea is not to strain or cause pain when exercising; the 'no pain, no gain' school of hard knocks is most certainly not a part of any Pilates philosophy. The idea is to reform a bad posture, to strengthen the immune system and achieve mind and body integration and balance. Using stretching and strengthening exercises to work the entire body efficiently, there are no high impact repetitions; the movements are slow and flowing, challenging whilst being safe. Pilates works with your body, not against it. These exercises leave you feeling energized and motivated, with emotional and physical stresses of the day disappearing. You will also discover muscles that you didn't even know you had!

During the First World War, Joseph Pilates helped to treat the wounded in British internment camps in Lancashire and the Isle of Man. He rigged a hospital bed so that patients who had suffered terrible injuries and amputations could begin their treatment whilst still lying flat on their backs. After the war he returned to Germany where he taught self-defense to police and the German army. He then emigrated to the USA in 1926, where he met his future wife Clara on the boat. They realized that they shared the same views and ideas on health and fitness and so successfully set up a studio in New York.

However successfully, Joseph Pilates was renowned for being very protective over his pioneering fitness routines: in the 1940's, Bob Seed, a former hockey player turned Pilates enthusiast opened a studio across town from Joseph and by opening very early in the morning, he managed to take some of Joseph's clients away. According to local witness, John Steel, one day Joseph visited Bob Seed with a gun and warned him to get out of town. Seed went.

There is much hype surrounding Pilates these days, but not without reason it seems. Joseph Pilates Methods have attracted top ballet dancers, actors such as Sharon Stone, Courtney Cox, Minnie Driver, Madonna and Julia Roberts as well as athletes such as the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Unfortunately, Joseph Pilates did not record all of his teaching techniques but it was known that he was an advocate of dry skin brushing – way before it was generally popular and was a great fan of fresh air on the skin, often doing his workout in swimming trunks!

If having a figure like Madonna or being as fit as a San Francisco 49er has not already persuaded you to enroll into a Pilates course, here are some more of the benefits of these exercises:

Improved flexibility * greater strength and muscle tone * more efficient respiratory system * more efficient lymphatic system – therefore less toxins in the body * more efficient circulatory system *lowered stress levels *a flatter stomach and trimmer waist through creation of natural girdle strength * better posture *toned buttocks and thighs * toned arms and shoulder area * fewer headaches where they are posture based * less incidence of back pain * boosted immune system * increased bone density * greater joint mobility * fewer injuries and improved performance for dancers and athletes.

Ady is not currently offering pilates classes, but stay tuned for more news. Currently, she does offer one on one sessions with the reformer, and solo use of the reformer as well. Please call our office to book an appointment.