Pilates is an innovative approach to exercise that was designed to achieve balance and harmony within the entire “core” of the body. The “core” consists of a group of muscles that surround the spine. When those muscles are used properly, a line of movement, marked by agility stimulates simultaneous muscle conditioning throughout the entire body. This type of training makes Pilates unique to its genre. Not to mention making it one of the fastest growing forms of exercise in the world. The growth of clients has increased by 600% over the last six years.

Pilates focuses on proper body-alignment, elongated movement, proper breathing and flexibility. In contrast to typical workouts, which focus on building one muscle group at a time, Pilates strengthens all muscles at once to avoid overtraining or under training any part of the body. Since muscular imbalance is the leading cause of injury, Pilates bases itself in rehabilitation methods. The natural series of movements works with the structure and function of your body and not against it.

Having roots in the dance and ballet world, Pilates is grounded in the pursuit of heightened body awareness. The gentle yet effective implementation of the exercises encourages gracefulness, protraction and proper expenditure of energy. Spinal alignment and proper body positioning create the platform or “trunk” as to which your body can perform the exercises correctly, gaining the best results.

Many people fear “bulking up” which can occur in traditional gym environments. Standard weight lifting centers itself around shortening muscles, which is associated with the “pump”. However Pilates focuses on deep stretching to create long-toned muscles. Benefits include a svelte physique, increased range of motion, and a renewed sense of wellbeing. Since Pilates is a low impact form of exercise, the joints of the body are preserved while the muscle performance is maximized.

Pilates concentrates on the quality of movement and not the quantity. The “signature” slow-and-controlled movement of Pilates replaces the need for repetition. Breathing plays a key role in enhancing relaxation and engaging the blended balance of mind and body.

Over 500 exercises can be performed through the study of Pilates. Some of those movements can be preformed on a mat, with varying degrees of difficulty. Others are performed with the assistance of highly evolved Pilates machines. Some of the most commonly used machines are the Pilates Reformer, the Pilates Chair, the Pilates Cadillac and the Pilates Barrel. In addition there are numerous Pilates accessories that can be added to any program for a new challenge.

It is highly recommended that Pilates be performed under the supervision of a trained professional in the comfort of a Pilates studio. Pilates professionals are exceedingly qualified to design exercise programs for all ranges and ages of clients. For beginners and advanced clients alike, proper supervision of the body position and alignment ensures maximum results.

This holistic approach to exercise is gentle on the framework of your body, but challenging to its core. Not only does it create a lean, gorgeous physique but it can also “re-train” the way the body functions in its daily routine. Its restorative proponents make it an essential addition to those seeking peak fitness, rehabilitation, posture proficiency and overall optimized health.