The Pilates Method (sometimes simply Pilates) is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates.
Pilates called his method The Art of Contrology, which refers to the way the method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles.
It is an exercise program that focuses on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential to providing support for the spine.
In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of neutral alignment of the spine and strengthening the deep postural muscles that support this alignment, which are important to help alleviate and prevent back pain.
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Important principles of his exercise program include:
Pilates practitioners use their own bodies as weights in training, to build strength, and flexibility. This is targeted without a focus on high-powered cardiovascular exercise. Today, Pilates is used
in the rehabilitation process by many physical therapists. Pilates is an old approach to movement re-education that is becoming popular in the field of fitness and rehabilitation.
The Pilates environment can be used as an assistive environment that optimizes the acquisition of movement with a reduction of destructive forces and can be used to progress individuals through more challenging movements that represent their day-to-day activities.
It is beneficial for:
Pilates helps to: