What is Pilates?
“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.”
– Joseph Pilates
What is Pilates?
Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates Method (originally called “Contrology”), recognized the importance of training the core abdominal and back muscles to stabilize the torso and allow the entire body to move freely. This realization arose out of experimentation with disabled and immobilized soldiers during World War I to help them regain strength and movement. He believed that ideal 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.” He developed over 500 different exercises and specialized exercise equipment which comprise the Pilates Method of present day.
Joseph Pilates believed that in order for a person to be optimally healthy they must integrate mind, body, and spirit. The principles that are the foundation of the Pilates method incorporate that through concentration, centering, flowing movement, and breath. In your Pilates session, you will link your breath to movement to allow for improved alignment, precision, and greater body awareness. This will be assisted by the use of equipment that utilizes cables, bars, straps, and pulleys to allow for support and facilitation of different positions. As well, a series of mat based exercises will be incorporated that can be performed at home for further enhancement of your Pilates practice.
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”
– Joseph Pilates
Why include Pilates in your lifestyle?
Pilates is a method of strength and flexibility training that can be performed by someone at any level of fitness. It can be used as a means of prevention and rehabilitation of injury, posture improvement, flexibility, balance, and increased circulation. Pilates promotes a sense of physical and mental well-being and develops inner physical awareness and strength. These techniques ultimately create successful movement patterns which builds confidence and carries over to functional tasks. At Atlanta PT, Pilates-based exercise is incorporated into the patient’s plan of care from day one. Programs are designed based on individual needs and home exercise programs enhance the exercises that are performed in physical therapy sessions. Whether you are an able bodied athlete or a patient transitioning from a rehab-based program to a fitness-based program, Pilates is designed to allow you to perform daily functional tasks with confidence and ease.
“In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body.”
– Joseph Pilates
