The Pilates Method

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"Pilates" is the surname of it's German creator- Joseph Hubertus Pilates 1883-1967. His exercise method is called "Contrology" & nowadays is most commonly known as "Pilates".

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Pilates is a corrective exercise method which strengthens & stretches the entire body through a system of cleverly designed exercises, helping to restore it to a better state of function & physical balance. The Pilates method, having stood the test of time, has proven invaluable to sports people as a form of physical conditioning & for anybody wanting to get stronger, more flexible, improve posture, maintain a healthy spine & generally improve health, well-being & thus quality of life. 

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Joseph Pilates was a living testament to his own method. He was a gymnastic performer & boxer & was currently touring in England during the outbreak of World War one which resulted in his internment in Lancaster & the Isle of Man for several years. After World War one, Joseph Pilates relocated to the USA (where he spent the rest of his life) & opened his studio in New York City. He also had a home studio at his holiday home in Becket, Massachusetts near to Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival Venue where he worked with dancers & taught group mat classes. His students were dancers seeking rehabilitation & everyday people seeking general conditioning.

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Pilates developed a series of mat work exercises designed to flow in a unique sequence to optimise health & physical function. He further invented & hand-crafted his specialist apparatus to support the mat work as well as condition his students beyond the mat. Many of his inventions & exercise sequences were intended for home use backed up with exercise charts. You will find copies of these archival exercise charts in my studio alongside all apparatus based on his original designs and correct dimensions.

 

Romana Kryzanowska was the elder chosen to continue to run the original New York Pilates Studio following Joseph Pilates death in 1967 & my training follows this lineage through my teachers. I am dedicated to delivering Traditional Pilates as it was originally intended as an internationally trained teacher; The full system of the Pilates Method.

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Some Examples of the Benefits of Authentic Pilates...

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• For me personally, Pilates has helped me manage an underlying back condition & recover from knee surgery. Pilates keeps me fit & healthy into my forties so that I can enjoy mountain biking.

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• Office Workers- combat desk posture by moving your spine, reduce stiffness in the neck/ back & tightness in the shoulders/ hips associated with long duration sitting.

 

• Support gym work & sports conditioning- teach your body movement efficiency, refine your functional movement patterns & unwind training related niggles, aches & pains. Injury proof your body to enjoy your activities for as long as you can & reach your full athletic potential.

 

• Pilates offers intelligent movement training which makes you use your mind by focusing on the precision & control of the exercises you are doing. Before you know it this awareness transfers into your daily living.

 

• If you have had an injury or surgery, Pilates offers you a long-term suitable exercise choice following initial treatment/ rehabilitation with your medical professional. Pilates offers you independence in managing your body needs through corrective exercise.