THE NEW YORK PILATES METHOD
Mat and Equipment - Total Body Conditioning

The New York Pilates Method has been successfully taught to people from all walks of life and every level of ability for nearly 100 years. During WW II it was used as a method of rehabilitation for soldiers suffering from war injuries or from systemic weakness and illness. At the same time it was used by athletes and dancers to enhance their body's efficiency, stability, and endurance.

Today, although many variations of Joseph Pilates' fitness program are being offered, the authentic New York Method has proven the test of time. The phenomenal results of all those who use the original Method is a testimonial to its effectiveness.

Who can benefit from the Pilates Method?
Everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or physical challenges, can improve their total health and well-being with The Pilates Method. The exercises can be selected and tailored for each individual's needs when they begin and will evolve and grow as the body strengthens. The Pilates Method is gentle enough for back pain sufferers and challenging enough for Olympic athletes.
Pilates is a powerful complement to other treatments in the rehabilitation of a range of conditions, including lower back pain, scoliosis and joint injuries. This exercise system also produces positive results in the treatment of arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus and neuromuscular conditions.

The Pilates Method provides an effective training system for body/mind conditioning and performance enhancement for dancers and athletes from a range of disciplines.

Joseph PilatesJoseph Pilates (1880 – 1967)
“fitness is the first requisite to happiness"
Joseph Pilates' motivation to develop a physical fitness program that would "restore physical vitality, invigorate the mind, and elevate the spirit" grew out of his childhood experiences with serious illness. With encouragement from his parents and educators, he embraced physical fitness as a means of both treatment and prevention. By the age of ten Pilates attributed his dramatically improved health to his active involvement in gymnastics, skiing, swimming, martial arts as well as other sports, and began to dedicate his life to the pursuit of wellness for himself, and for others.

Pilates ultimately distilled his vast knowledge of the effects of movement on the body into a system designed to make people "feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions". He called it "The Art of Contrology" which his pupil of 28 years, Romana, later named “The Pilates Method.” Today it is one of the fastest growing exercise systems in North America.

The Pilates Method is a progressive, dynamic exercise system that is often aptly described as a cross between nautilus and yoga. Distinct from other forms of exercise, The Pilates Method works the muscles in a lengthened non-weight bearing position to regain body symmetry and stability. Pilates designed the system with several values always in focus as integral elements: concentration, control, centering, breathing, precision, flowing movement, intuition, and imagination.

When practiced regularly, Pilates helps develop lean, toned muscles, strength and flexibility. Focusing on the core of the body creates incredible abdominal strength, improved posture and better balance. As with all physical fitness regimes, The Pilates Method reduces stress, but because the movements are highly controlled and specific and are performed in small repetitions, the sessions become uniquely energizing, long after they end.

The Pilates Method focuses on strengthening the "powerhouse" all of the abdominal muscles, lower back, hips, and buttocks, as well as actively correcting spinal alignment. By strengthening the muscles around the centre of gravity and retraining the muscles to support the vertebrae in proper alignment, the body has a strong and stable core from which to perform all tasks and activities. Another result of this focus is improved reflex coordination through increased nervous system efficiency. It is a means for improving posture and spinal alignment, increasing strength and flexibility, preventing back pain and injury, promoting rehabilitation, and fostering excellence in a range of athletic activities.

The Pilates Method strengthens muscles not exerted in day to day activities, or in many fitness programs, following the developmental process to retrain muscles to function in alignment and balance. This creates a uniformly developed, symmetrical body and a heightened sense of body awareness.

Joseph Pilates believed that every individual has the power to change their lives for the better, and that the real strength needed to initiate change begins in the mind. In his total body conditioning system, Joseph Pilates challenges you to focus, breath deeply, and to work your body consciously. The effect is a complete makeover that will oxygenate, rejuvenate and re-vitalize your body and yourself.

 

   

© Symmetria - Michaela Sirbu