About Pilates
A uniquely precise and intelligent approach to exercise and body-conditioning
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What is Pilates?
Pilates is a system of exercises designed to challenge and develop strength and mobility of the whole body. There is a big emphasis on strengthening the centre of the body and learning stability of the spine and pelvis. This is to support the spine and provide a stable place for efficient and healthy movement of the arms and legs come from. In Pilates practice, as strength and stability is increased, so is mobility. By increasing control and awareness of the body, we are able to reach our full available range and increase that range over time. |
What should I expect from a class?
Josie teaches Mat Pilates exercises and so the majority of the exercises will be done lying in different positions on the mat. Though Pilates is not considered a high intensity workout, you may feel muscles working that you have never felt before - if it's your very first session you may feel them over the next couple of days! Although we focus on the core, there will be strength and flexibility work on the rest of the body too. |
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Pilates Origins
Pilates was invented by the late Joseph Pilates. Born in the 1880s near Dusseldorf, Germany, Joseph grew up a frail child who turned to physical fitness to improve his strength. He developed his own method of exercise during the first world war, practising on his fellow inmates in British internment camps. He claimed his regime was the reason why none of his internees died from an influenza epidemic in 1918. He set up his first studio in New York in the 1920s and since then enthusiasm for Pilates has grown and spread around the globe! |