WHAT IS PILATES?

Developed in the 1920's by Joseph H. Pilates (Puh-Lah-Tees), Pilates is a method of bodywork that focuses on the mind and body working in harmony to achieve fitness. It uses smooth flowing movements that tone and stretch your body - increasing muscle strength and flexibility without stress to your joints. Pilates will change the way you relate to your body and enhance & compliment all of your regular activities. Everyday life wreaks havoc on our bodies. Many of us who lack regular exercise suffer from shallow breathing, decreased oxygen to cells, job stress and unusual levels of fatigue. And those of us who do have a daily workout routine can often fall prey to bad and ingrained habits. The repetitive movements of a golf or tennis swing, for example, or the simple act of carrying a child or heavy bag, or even the fact that we are right-handed or left-handed can cause us to favor one set of muscles over another. Pilates is the perfect antidote for this. It's emphasis on the quality, not quantity, of movements ensures a workout that will straighten, strengthen and stretch your body evenly.

WHY DO PILATES?

Pilates is an effective way to improve your muscles while simultaneously increasing flexibility, endurance and concentration. It can lead to greater self-confidence and an increased sense of well-being. Benefits include: