What is Pilates?
Pilates is a system of exercises that strengthens and stretches the muscles, uniformly developing the body. Pilates has existed for nearly 100 years and in this time has proven successful in achieving unwavering results.

The results:
• Flexibility
• Balance
• Tones and develops muscles
• Improves posture
• Clarifies the mind
• Achieves longer leaner muscles not bulky • muscles
• Streamlines the body
• Strengthens the body
• Aids the functioning of our vital organs

After a Pilates Class, you feel fully revitalised and your mind feels clear of all your daily stresses. Your body feels strong and you have retrained your muscles to be used more efficiently.

A Pilates mat class can achieve a full body workout. Physical fitness can be achieved with the sole use of the body, and equipment is not needed, although can be used as an aid. Often with other forms of exercise we tend to concentrate on particular parts of the body and neglect others, causing an imbalance in our bodies. No other single form of exercise employs all of our muscles at the same time.

As a method of fitness, Pilates is very effective. Positive results are often seen within a few weeks. Regular Pilates classes make the body more toned, stronger, leaner and well balanced. Pilates is a fantastic workout for the abdominals, it really targets this area and regular classes result in a flat tummy. Pilates tones the legs and is great for toning the inner thighs. It also targets the arms by toning and streamlining the muscles, particularly those at the back of the arms. Pilates strengthens the body, especially the back, preventing injuries and rehabilitating existing injuries. Other benefits include weight loss, increased energy levels and a general sense of well being

Pilates was developed with our very hectic schedules in mind. When performed, Pilates re-educates us on how to use our bodies to perform daily tasks with ease and perfection. This utilises energy efficiently, leaving us with increased energy reserves. It is a graceful form of exercise which reflects balance in the body, strength in the body and a sound mind.

Principles of Pilates
Pilates is made up of several principles to achieve Core Stability. Pelvic Stability, Scapular Stability and Lumber Stability.

Pelvic Stability is where we have our pelvis in a neutral position, where the navel, the pelvic bone and the hip bones (ASIS) are all on the same level. We keep our pelvis in neutral whilst moving our limbs during the exercise; when lying on the tummy in prone, lying on your back in the relaxation position, in semi-supine, on your side or standing up.

Lumber Stability is the scooping of the abdominals. This gives us a connection in our centre. Think of it as drawing the navel to spine using your lower abdominals and then drawing the upper abdominals up and under the ribs. This creates a girdle of strength or corset effect. Also think of softening the tummy and drawing the waist in making it smaller.

This also involves learning how to use your pelvic floor muscles by gently drawing up the pelvic floor and controlling it during movement.

Lumber Stability is achieved by combining the two. A method known as "Zip and Hollow" is used - Draw the pelvic floor up and scoop the abdominals.

Lastly Scapular Stability is achieved by Scapula-Humeral rhythm. When we raise our arm this is the sequence with which we use our shoulder blades (Scapula), the bone at the top of the arm (Humerus) and the shoulder bone (Clavicle).

Pilates teaches us to stabilise and strengthen the muscles below the Scapular, the Lower Trapezius and Serratus Anterior so that the movement of the arms and upper body mainly comes from the connection of these muscles. This means that the weaker and often overused muscles of the neck and shoulder are used less. This can prevent those very common shoulder and neck pains.

By applying the above principles, there is a minimised strain on the body when exercises are performed. The corset effect also known as the girdle of strength or power house is used to stabilise the body thus protecting the body's weak and vulnerable areas.

Joseph Pilates

Joseph Pilates began developing the system of 'Contrology' in the early 1900s. In his lifetime his work was never widespread but was recognised within a small group of people in New York, mainly top ballet dancers, gymnasts, athletes, actors and actresses.

He was a sick child from birth suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, so to try to strengthen himself and fight his illnesses, he used different forms of exercise. Rather than concentrating on one form, he developed Pilates by experimenting with many such as yoga, gymnastics, self defence, circus training, dance, weight training and marshal arts.

From his learning of these disciplines, using the most effective parts, he developed a regime of exercises. He personally used these methods, to become stronger, more flexible and balanced, which eventually mended his own fragile body. Joseph Pilates then began to teach in London. However, World War 1 broke out and being of German nationality, he was imprisoned in a war camp until the end of the war.

He was surrounded by many wounded and injured men, which gave him the opportunity to develop his rehabilitation work. He created a machine out of old hospital beds and their springs and used this equipment to design a method of exercise which would assist the soldiers in rehabilitation. You will notice a similarity between beds and springs and Pilates machines used today. During his time in the prisoner of war camp, he taught his fellow prisoners his new methods with amazing results.

After the war he returned to Germany to teach and then finally moved to New York, where he set up a studio with his wife, Clara. Here he established himself as the founder of Pilates, until his death in 1967 at the age of 87.