What is the Pilates Method?

Pilates is a series of exercises based on the mind-body conditioning method developed by Joseph Pilates. It combines Eastern and Western philosophies of physical and mental development in order to promote neuromuscular balance and co-ordination while increasing strength and flexibility. The exercises work the entire body and can be done on a mat or with special equipment designed by Mr. Pilates. Each movement incorporates six basic principles: control, concentration, centering, focus, precision and breathing.

Pilates Bodyworks incorporates principles of contemporary exercise physiology, such as contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and performance enhancement. Pilates Bodyworks teaches exercises which are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine (neutral spine) and rebalance the muscles around the joints; the original work promoted a flat back. We now know that neutral spine is the strongest position for the spine. Contemporary Pilates adds more warm-up exercises and modifications to make the method safer and more effective. Unfortunately, some Pilates practitioners still teach the Method as it was developed some 40+ years ago. We like to think that Mr. Pilates, were he alive today, would embrace the enhancements to his Method.

What can Pilates do for you?

• Improve body awareness
• Improve performance in sports
• Increase core strength
• Improve functional fitness
• Improve balance and coordination
• Help prevent injury
• Improve posture
• Make your joints feel better
• Improve performance in other forms of exercise

Pilates for Golf

Every golfer, amateur or professional, wants to improve their golf game. Pilates has become the hottest trend for athletes, most particularly professional golf. Did you know that Tiger Woods has a Pilates Instructor? Pilates helps the golfer by strengthening and balancing the core muscles of the trunk, at the same time helping to prevent injury, especially to the back. The player is constantly bending over the ball twisting the body in one direction during a round of golf. This action causes overuse of the same muscles resulting in muscle imbalance; the lumbar spine takes the greatest toll. Pilates restores balance, realigns the body and restores normal, natural movement patterns. Golfers will learn how to position their body correctly, how to breathe effectively and to be aware of increased tension. Golfers will learn to recognize “cheating mechanisms” where the wrong muscles are used to create movement. We take your swing weaknesses and turn them into swing strengths!

Who was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany and developed a method of exercise he called "Contrology" in the early 1900s to overcome a body left frail by childhood illnesses. He moved to England as an adult where he worked as a boxer, circus performer, and self-defense instructor. During WWI he was imprisoned on the Isle of Man along with other German Nationals; there he devised innovative methods using bedsprings to help rehabilitate non-ambulatory patients.

Pilates moved back to Germany following WWI where he continued to develop his "Method." He moved to the United States in 1926 where he opened the first Pilates Studio. He was soon "discovered" by the dance community including Martha Graham and George Balanchine. His following increased to include athletes, performers and the fitness-conscious public.

Pilates developed more than 500 different exercises on five different pieces of equipment he designed in order to develop the entire body. Exercises are performed with rhythm and fluidity with concentration on precision and control.