About Pilates
"I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They'd be happier." - Joseph Hubertus Pilates, in 1965, age 86.
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Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, from Germany. His father was a gymnast and his mother a naturopath.
During the first half of the twentieth century, he developed a system of exercises which were intended to strengthen the human mind and body. Jospeh Pilates believed that mental and physical health were interrelated.
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It is a systematic method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. With systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, Pilates has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds.
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A few quick searches on the net and you will find endless benefits of Pilates.
Pilates conditions the body from head to toe with a no- to low-impact approach suitable for all ages and abilities. It requires patience and practice, but results will follow
With time and dedication, Pilates practice can:
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Improve strength, flexibility and balance.
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Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk.
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Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core.
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Engage the mind and enhance body awareness.
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Condition efficient patterns of movement making the body less prone to injury.
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Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching.
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Restore postural alignment.
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Create a stronger, more flexible spine.
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Promote recovery from strain or injury.
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Increase joint range of motion.
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Improve circulation.
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Heighten neuromuscular coordination.
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Offer relief from back pain and joint stress.
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Correct over-training of muscle groups which can lead to stress and injury.
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Enhance mobility, agility and stamina.
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Compliment sports training and develop functional fitness for daily life activity.
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Improve the way your body looks and feels.
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Practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing is a primary focus. Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, coordination - both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilates program. Posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased. Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of one's life.
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