Pilates is an exercise method designed to condition and connect body and mind, correct muscle imbalances, improve posture, and tone the entire body. Its unique system of exercises can be practiced on a mat (against your own body weight) or on several different pieces of spring resistance apparatus known as, The Cadillac, Reformer, Split Pedal Chair, and Ladder Barrels. Both ways of practicing are equally as effective and help to condition the body without punishing it.  In addition to firming the abdominal wall, Pilates helps to strengthen and stretch the entire body from head to toe, helping you to stand taller. The exercises help to create long, lean, and toned muscles. The Pilates method combines these exercises with mental concentration and breath work. The result is a mind body fitness program that helps you create your best body ever but also helps you to feel mentally and emotionally balanced, calm, and refreshed.

The primary focus of Pilates is to strengthen the core, the area between your hips and sternum (breast plate) known as your power house. The power house is your body’s center source for power, balance, and movement. The core muscles include inner thigh muscles, all spinal muscles, and four layers of abdominal muscles. These muscles work together to support the spine, which in turn, promotes good posture. Pilates works the deepest layers of these muscles, as well as the hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes (butt muscles). When your core isn’t strong, you lack the torso stability to fully access your power and move efficiently.

You may be relying on your arm, leg, or back muscles to provide support or balance when you try to move. That means that your limbs are not able to move freely and efficiently and your back may be strained. After time, you’ll develop muscle imbalances, poor postural habits, and even lower back pain. Practicing Pilates exercises helps strengthen core muscles uniformly so that they provide the support and balance your spine needs to maintain good posture, with its ultimate goal to restore optimal functioning to the body.

Possibly one of the most interesting aspects of Pilates is that anyone can do it, and everyone can achieve amazing results. Because there is no bouncing, jarring, or stress to the body, Pilates offers the ideal form of exercise for people who, because of joint pain or muscle weakness, shy away from exercise. Whether it is Pilates through mat work or machinery, the benefits are truly incomparable to most other forms of exercise, when it comes to overall results. Pilates does not replace other forms of exercise, but enhances any other activity you may be involved in, helping you to achieve whatever it is that you are after.