Pilates is an innovative and safe system of mind-body exercise using a floor mat or a variety of equipment. It evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates and can dramatically transform the way your body look, feels and performs. Pilates builds strength without excess bulk, capable of creating a sleep, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. It is a safe, sensible exercise system that will help you look and feel your very best. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates also improves flexibility, agility, and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain.
No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you, but don’t just take our word for it. According to the SGMA, in the U.S. alone nearly nine million people participated in Pilates in 2009 – a staggering 456% increase from 2000.
Founded by German Joseph Pilates (1890-1967), Pilates is a very extraordinary exercise that mitigates pain caused by tension and imbalance in the body’s structure from life’s weary days. Not only that, the breathing that takes place during Pilates strengthens the cardiovascular system, shoulders and, chest movements. It helps to fix the body’s bad posture. Pilates balances the spine and pelvis joint and has an impressive effect on maintenance of posture and muscles that are unused in daily life through careful training. It also strengthens endurance and concentration. Exercise therapy’s principle is repeated action and continuous exercise of the muscles in a way that painlessly strengthens muscles. Especially the lower stomach and buttocks portions are called “Powerhouse”parts and the core of Pilates is to train these parts. The movement of muscles that are in use is focused on, the strength is adjusted, and the exact action is achieved. In order to strengthen the spine (the body’s center), the powerhouse parts are exercised as the primary focus. Also, each action has a unique breathing pattern that should be followed for the maximum effect. While each action is being performed, the mind is more focused, and one action to the next action should be well connected and flow smoothly and flexibly.
Benefits of Pilates:
-strengthening of body’s balance, strength, and flexbility through a whole body exercise approach
-balance is achieved
-joints and spine are strengthened
-straightened and stabilized posture in daily life
-cardiopulmonary ability and circulatory capacity are strengthened
-stress and tension relief
-agility achieved through nerve and muscle harmony
Read about our Pilates Instructors Youngmin Chun and Yumi Bae