what is pilates?
Have you ever watched a child build a tower out of blocks?
When they begin, they go straight up, just as high as they can. Naturally, they don’t get very far before their tower starts to lean or fall over. As a child continues their ‘work’ and progresses, they learn to build a wider, more stable base…a foundation. The stronger and more stable the foundation, the better chance the tower has of staying straight and upright.
It is this same principle when we work in Pilates.
Sure, you can jump into a session and probably do alright without knowing the principles and fundamentals, but when you take the time to learn the basics of movement, engaging your deep, stabilizing muscles, and moving with precision, you will have a much better chance of finding the true work of Pilates. All of the advanced work has its roots in the fundamentals of the system.
Within these foundations are the tools that introduce new connections and teach our students how to move more efficiently. These movements are also important as it provides the Pilates teacher with crucial information on student movement patterns and habits.
This enables our teachers to create a session specifically targeted to assist the body they are working with and create new, more effective patterns to move through life. Along with the foundations, the Pilates principles are always taught. These principles are what set Pilates apart from other fitness regimes.
The principles MUST be present in each and every exercise to maximize the benefits available. Only practicing Pilates in this way will give you the desired result – a change in your body.
Pilates principles include: breathing, centering, concentration, control, precision, flow.
The principles, combined with a good base knowledge of the foundation work, are paramount to one’s growth in a Pilates practice on all apparatus: mat, reformer, Cadillac, tower and chair.
If a positive change is what you are looking for within your body, Pilates can give you the tools to help you find strength and stability to move through life with freedom and flexibility. ‘Play’ with the building blocks we can give you. Work to stabilize your structure and move with freedom.
The beauty of Pilates is that it can be kept simple or made deeply challenging, depending on your desire and ability to work differently.
All students are required to fill out a Health Questionnaire before attending their first session. This information is used to assist us in learning your movement history. We take your privacy very seriously. The information provided on the questionnaire will be treated confidentially. A link to the questionnaire will be sent to you after you create an account.