Benefits
What are some of the benefits of Pilates exercise?
Pilates exercise incorporates the mind-body and spirit within it’s philosophies, which reaches beyond just physical benefits. Joseph Pilates said ‘Physical Fitness is the first requisite of happiness’ and it is with this idea that Pilates can bring wellbeing and health to those practicing it regularly
Additionally, Pilates can help with:
Improved body tone and flexibility, strength and control
Improved circulation and lung capacity
Balanced and pain free posture
Increased vitality, energy and ability to cope with stress
Improvement of sports performance
Maintaining strength and flexibility in pregnancy
Returning the body post-partum
Pilates is
Invigorating. – a complete mind – body workout
Varied and progressive – offering over 500 exercises
Able to be modified for those working with injuries or those new to exercise
Challenging to athletes at the higher levels of work
The History of Pilates
“[Pilates]…is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work”
Joseph Pilates – Return to Life
Joseph Pilates devised his unique system of exercises throughout the course of his life, a system he coined “Contrology’ a term that paid reference to his belief that the mind controls the body and through training in his method, the triad of a healthy ‘mind, body and spirit’ would be fully developed.
Born in Germany in the 1880’s, Joseph Pilates was a sickly child who studied the human body extensively from a young age. Prior to World War One, Pilates relocated to England, reportedly working as a circus performer, boxer and self defence instructor.
During the First World War, Pilates was interned to the Isle of Man with other German nationals. At this time he worked as a hospital orderly and rehabilitated soldiers with his method, it is contended that he utilized the bedsprings hooked onto the bed-frames to exercise the wounded soldiers, a precursor to the Cadillac apparatus in use today. An influenza epidemic that raged through the camp during this time decimated many, but not one of the wounded who had studied Joseph Pilates’ method succumbed to the illness. Pilates believed this was testament to the strength of his work.
During the 1920’s Pilates emigrated to the US, landing in New York City. It was on the boat over that he met Clara, his future wife and fellow teacher of his method. Here he opened his ‘Contrology’ studio in the same building that housed the New York City Ballet. Famous choreographers such as Georges Balanchine and Martha Graham sent their dancers to him to strengthen and recover from injuries. Pilates was a popular fixture of the Dance community for years until its surge in popularity in the 1990’s. The Pilates elders (Romana Krysanowska, Mary Bowen, Robert Fitzgerald, Ron Fletcher, Eve Gentry, Kathy Stanford-Grant, Jay Grimes, Bruce King, Lolita San Miguel and Carola Trier) carried on the method and are instrumental in bringing Pilates to millions of people worldwide. Pilates had a vision: “I’m fifty years ahead of my time,” and judging by the millions of people now practicing the method internationally, almost 50 years after his death, it seems he was right!
FAQs
Can I claim my Pilates Sessions with my private health insurance?
What should I expect in my first session?
I’m pregnant, can I do Pilates?
The Pilates Equipment, what is it?
Can I claim my Pilates Sessions with my private health insurance?
Kim Paxton is a member of the Pilates Alliance of Australasia (PAA), and as such, you are able to claim a portion of your Pilates training with your insurance company, depending on the plan and company you hold your insurance with. Please call for more details.
What is classical Pilates ?
Classical or traditional Pilates is designed to be as close to Joseph Pilates’ original teachings as possible. It is designed to be a flowing workout with new challenges added as you progress. Classical Pilates principles include Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision of Movement, Breath and Flowing movement.
Who can benefit from Pilates?
In short, everyone.
All ages, body types, physiques and athletic abilities will benefit from Pilates. The wonderful thing about Pilates is that it progresses from the most remedial exercises to the most advanced and challenging work. Pilates can help the office-worker who spends the majority of their workday at a desk, elite athletes who want to break through to the next level, mothers and mothers to be, people with injuries who want to gain back their strength and flexibility, dancers and everyone else in between.
What should I expect in my first session?
If you are planning on training on the Pilates equipment, we require that you sign up for 3 private sessions to begin. In this way, we can assess your needs as well as get you started on the exercises, so that when you enter a group session, you will already have knowledge of the fundamentals and know how to operate the equipment.
When you arrive for your first class, we require you to fill out a confidential information sheet and waiver, prior to commencing. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early so that you can fill this information out without cutting into your class time.
Please bring socks and a small towel with you, as well as wearing clothes that you are comfortable in, that you can stretch in.
What results can I expect?
With regular Pilates practice expect to be stronger, more flexible, healthier and taller!
Remember physical fitness is multi-faceted. A fitness program that combines cardiovascular training, strength and flexibility, that challenges balance as well as stamina and endurance, is going to get you the best results.
Consistency is the key to creating changes throughout the body. One session a week is great, but 2-3 sessions per week will really see your body develop to its potential.
Joseph Pilates in his book ‘ Return to Life’ talks about his philosophy for physical fitness.
‘Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.’
I’m pregnant, can I do Pilates?
As long as you have doctor’s clearance for exercise while you are pregnant, Pilates-based exercise is a perfect regime for maintaining strength and flexibility throughout your pregnancy. Its emphasis on correct posture, pelvic floor training and correct breathing is ideal for the changing demands of your body. Aches and pains can be minimized through correct training.
Kim Paxton is certified through the ‘Center For Women’s Fitness’ (US) which is a specialized pre and post natal Pilates certification.
The Pilates Equipment, what is it?
Pilates devised the equipment with the idea of supporting or challenging the body, depending on the exercise you are performing.
There are literally hundreds of exercises that can be performed on these unique apparatus. The main pieces of equipment: the Reformer, Tower/Cadillac and Chair work with spring resistance that can be modified for the individual. The apparatus provides a low impact environment that strengthens the body as you lengthen your muscles – from the inside out.
At Move-Meant Pilates, we use Peak Pilates equipment, considered by many studios and master teachers as top of the line equipment.
Connect with us here: