The Pilates Method
Pilates has been around since the 1920's, when German born Joseph Hubertus Pilates started putting together a series of exercises to be performed on a simple mat. He did a lot of research and experimentation during more than 60 years to arrive at what we know today as Pilates. One of the most complete forms of conditioning available under one single system.
What is Pilates?
In one word: movement.
What kind of movements?
Best way to describe it: all kinds of movements. Pilates is an extremely varied method. More than 500 exercises, without counting modifications and variations, performed with various pieces of equipment -or none at all. The range of exercises goes from quite easy to extremely advanced. From smaller moves to big expansive ones. For those who become adepts there are even more exercises and variations so one never really feels bored or unchallenged.
Pilates works the whole body and does so equally: because of it, it usually re-balances it. The idea is that you move, and you move in a particular and precise way: movement is both the exerciser, what makes you strong, loose and even, ultimately, movement is the healer. Because you involve yourself in the way you move -both for control and purpose- the mind and the imagination are engaged. Your mind will even change the way in which you move. Eventually the process becomes intuitive and therefore it restores natural, normal movement. Usually that is what we are trying to do, -and good Pilates should produce it- elegant movement and poised individuals.
Rather than passively repeating exercises, you usually focus your mind and its imagination as you go, resulting in having to do less repetitions, since your focus makes it efficient. You achieve a wider range of benefits and general awareness of your body and the way it moves. Because of the amount of exercises and equipment, Pilates offers varied routines and a more involved and fun way to get you body where you want to. You also learn to guide your own breath and to follow it in a natural fashion: "moving with the breath".
Who can benefit from Pilates?
Just about everybody: young, elderly, out of condition, athletes, dancers, any one requiring top form. The work is tailored to the individual, so it can be as gentle as needed or as challenging as desired.
Why has it become so popular?
Simply because it delivers very good results. Over 80 years of success stories. And it is very accessible: you can be 10 or 90 years old, and in just about any condition. Its one-on-one approach brings better care and fine tuning.
Also, because is really not boring at all. No endless repetitions of a few exercises. Instead, a more varied and complete workout.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
The idea in general terms is that you get looser, stronger and gain control over your movements. Using and exercising THE WHOLE BODY (not just your tummy...)
It also has "added" benefits: mental and muscular coordination, better posture, increased joint mobility, better circulation, improved body image, increased flexibility, injury prevention, increased lung capacity, better focus, increased bone density, improved self esteem, lumbar flexibility, abdominal strength, increased stamina, proper alignment, body awareness, improved concentration, better balance, control and coordination, larger range of motion and increased heights... The list goes on, and those improvements have a great positive impact in other areas of life.
Why is Pilates so complete?
Basically, because we try to work in all aspects -strength, stretch and control- at the same time, and not one too much at the expense of the other.
Strength: muscles that are too loose lack power and don't provide support for the joints. Also, joints that are too loose tend to go out of alignment, resulting in overall weakness, risk of injury and/or pain.
Stretch: bulky muscles are prone to injury and restrict movement producing stiffness and lack of movement and joints in particular need movement to stay healthy. A bigger range of motion really improves one's life style and makes daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Nothing feels better than freedom of movement.
Control: lack of control and coordination in movements can cause injuries or the exercises simply do not have the desired effect. Being able to decide how to perform a movement improves safety, increases abilities and develops poise and grace.
In addition we greatly emphasize coordination, concentration, balance, precision, flow, imagination, memory and most importantly breathing. People keep adding to the list, every generation seems to want to lengthen the list! Not bad but basically the first 3 are the most important.
You work with your whole body: in every workout the whole body is addressed, not just a few parts or even a lot of parts. The whole body as one unit is involved in every movement eventually. Furthermore, often ignored muscles groups and deep muscles are taking into consideration. You work with your whole mind: you are always involved. Your brain takes a more active role during the sessions and is so much more than a repetition "counter."
Is based on quality of movement, senseless quantity is avoided. Less repetitions but better movements. That also allows time and energy for different exercises to cover all areas and adds more variety to the workout.
Is a positive method: it is non competitive, is based on what you can do and what you want to improve. Though it can be very challenging, every person's challenge is different. Which brings us to another point: Pilates is tailored to the individual . Not everybody needs the same and not everybody gets to the same place the same way.
What is Pilates?
In one word: movement.
What kind of movements?
Best way to describe it: all kinds of movements. Pilates is an extremely varied method. More than 500 exercises, without counting modifications and variations, performed with various pieces of equipment -or none at all. The range of exercises goes from quite easy to extremely advanced. From smaller moves to big expansive ones. For those who become adepts there are even more exercises and variations so one never really feels bored or unchallenged.
Pilates works the whole body and does so equally: because of it, it usually re-balances it. The idea is that you move, and you move in a particular and precise way: movement is both the exerciser, what makes you strong, loose and even, ultimately, movement is the healer. Because you involve yourself in the way you move -both for control and purpose- the mind and the imagination are engaged. Your mind will even change the way in which you move. Eventually the process becomes intuitive and therefore it restores natural, normal movement. Usually that is what we are trying to do, -and good Pilates should produce it- elegant movement and poised individuals.
Rather than passively repeating exercises, you usually focus your mind and its imagination as you go, resulting in having to do less repetitions, since your focus makes it efficient. You achieve a wider range of benefits and general awareness of your body and the way it moves. Because of the amount of exercises and equipment, Pilates offers varied routines and a more involved and fun way to get you body where you want to. You also learn to guide your own breath and to follow it in a natural fashion: "moving with the breath".
Who can benefit from Pilates?
Just about everybody: young, elderly, out of condition, athletes, dancers, any one requiring top form. The work is tailored to the individual, so it can be as gentle as needed or as challenging as desired.
Why has it become so popular?
Simply because it delivers very good results. Over 80 years of success stories. And it is very accessible: you can be 10 or 90 years old, and in just about any condition. Its one-on-one approach brings better care and fine tuning.
Also, because is really not boring at all. No endless repetitions of a few exercises. Instead, a more varied and complete workout.
What are the benefits of Pilates?
The idea in general terms is that you get looser, stronger and gain control over your movements. Using and exercising THE WHOLE BODY (not just your tummy...)
It also has "added" benefits: mental and muscular coordination, better posture, increased joint mobility, better circulation, improved body image, increased flexibility, injury prevention, increased lung capacity, better focus, increased bone density, improved self esteem, lumbar flexibility, abdominal strength, increased stamina, proper alignment, body awareness, improved concentration, better balance, control and coordination, larger range of motion and increased heights... The list goes on, and those improvements have a great positive impact in other areas of life.
Why is Pilates so complete?
Basically, because we try to work in all aspects -strength, stretch and control- at the same time, and not one too much at the expense of the other.
Strength: muscles that are too loose lack power and don't provide support for the joints. Also, joints that are too loose tend to go out of alignment, resulting in overall weakness, risk of injury and/or pain.
Stretch: bulky muscles are prone to injury and restrict movement producing stiffness and lack of movement and joints in particular need movement to stay healthy. A bigger range of motion really improves one's life style and makes daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Nothing feels better than freedom of movement.
Control: lack of control and coordination in movements can cause injuries or the exercises simply do not have the desired effect. Being able to decide how to perform a movement improves safety, increases abilities and develops poise and grace.
In addition we greatly emphasize coordination, concentration, balance, precision, flow, imagination, memory and most importantly breathing. People keep adding to the list, every generation seems to want to lengthen the list! Not bad but basically the first 3 are the most important.
You work with your whole body: in every workout the whole body is addressed, not just a few parts or even a lot of parts. The whole body as one unit is involved in every movement eventually. Furthermore, often ignored muscles groups and deep muscles are taking into consideration. You work with your whole mind: you are always involved. Your brain takes a more active role during the sessions and is so much more than a repetition "counter."
Is based on quality of movement, senseless quantity is avoided. Less repetitions but better movements. That also allows time and energy for different exercises to cover all areas and adds more variety to the workout.
Is a positive method: it is non competitive, is based on what you can do and what you want to improve. Though it can be very challenging, every person's challenge is different. Which brings us to another point: Pilates is tailored to the individual . Not everybody needs the same and not everybody gets to the same place the same way.
APILATESSTUDIO
Temecula, CA 92591
951.541.6708
Temecula, CA 92591
951.541.6708
