What is the Pilates Method?

The Pilates Method, developed by the legendary physical trainer Joseph Pilates, is a full body exercise program. The method restores muscular balance, builds strength and flexibility, increases coordination, and emphasizes and improves body alignment and posture. 

The Pilates Method is not just an exercise. It is a series of more than 500 Controlled movements engaging the body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's. 

The Pilates Method uses the abdomen, lower back and buttocks as a power center, enabling the rest of the body to move freely through a sequence of carefully performed movements. Attention to detail, position and the quality of each movement is emphasized and supervised by a trained instructor. Movements are done supine, kneeling, sitting or standing. 

Unlike other exercise programs that isolate muscles, Pilates Method movement patterns work muscle groups with coordinated effort through their full range of motion. Most of the exercises are done in a low weight bearing position, so that there is little or no impact on the joints. Rather than adding more resistance or doing more repetitions, simple movement patterns are made more complex as the client gains strength and control. Working many different muscle groups in a session, you perform no more than 10 repetitions of any exercise, thus minimizing lactic acid build-up in the muscles. Therefore, one avoids the post-workout "soreness" sometimes associated with other exercise programs. Because the technique requires concentration on each movement, the method also helps strengthen the mind with awareness and breath coordination. This is not the kind of workout program that leaves a person feeling exhausted, but rather feeling energized, relaxed and focused. 

To locate your nearest New York Guild Certified Instructor call 1-800-4Pilates