Training Services: Pilates

Pilates is a system of exercises developed by a German man named Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. Originally designed as a rehabilitative practice on an exercise mat and specialized equipment, Pilates exercises (as they are now known) target the deep muscles of the abdomen and spine to strengthen the body from the inside out in proper alignment. The goal is to achieve a balance of strength and flexibility, a balance of opposing muscle groups and better balance in the body when moving through all of life’s activities. But the answer to the question “what is Pilates” would not be complete without discussing gravity, or the lack thereof, really! Joseph Pilates, years ahead of his time, knew that gravity pulls our bodies out of alignment, distorting joint relationships and causing some muscles to bear greater loads and others to under perform. By working without gravity, alignment can be improved and faulty movement habits corrected so that the body learns the right way to perform movement and the right muscle to use.

So how are Pilates and Yoga different? Well, both systems have been categorized as mind-body fitness programs and both systems focus on the breath more specifically than other exercise methods. Beyond that, Pilates and Yoga are very different! The two systems were designed with different goals, and while practitioners will see increased strength and flexibility with both, each person needs to decide which is best for him/herself.