'If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old.  

If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.'   

 

Joseph H. Pilates, 1945

 

Pilates is a unique form of exercise, created by Joseph Pilates (1883-1967) encompassing 34 mat work exercises.  Joseph Pilates called his method, 'Contrology', harmonising the mind, body and spirit.  

 

Using the mind to specifically control the body's core muscles (which are the lower back, stomach, hips and behind) Pilates works the complete body muscles uniformly with controlled and focused breathing, correcting imbalances in posture.

 

Pilates helps the body to regain balance, flexibility, co-ordination, increase muscle strength and control, without sweating.  The Pilates system works to strengthen and lengthen the muscles, conditioning and toning the body from the inside out.

 

The Breathing Technique

 

Using the correct breathing technique is fundamental to the Pilates principle and the first step in controlling the body's muscles to perform the exercises with maximum benefits.  

 

Breathing need to focus on exhalation, in particular the stomach. Breathing out, whilst gently squeezing IN the lower region of the stomach muscles is the key to the technique.  

 

A firmer and stronger stomach not only looks better but helps to support the back and maintain a more correct and comfortable posture.