What's the big idea anyway?
Authentic Pilates is a method of body conditioning that trains the mind and body to work together toward a goal of overall fitness. This method is performed with a high degree of precision and mental focus, with hundreds of different exercises performed on unique pieces of equipment.
Each exercise is sequential, continuous and fluid.
Authentic Pilates captures the benefits of Eastern exercise philosophies by emphasizing mental focus, breathing, and flexibility then incorporates Western exercise practices such as strength and endurance. The blending of these disciplines trains the mind and body to work together toward the goal of overall fitness.
Pilates was, is and always will be the quintessential of core training, everyone talks about core training but Pilates IS core training. Pilates refers to the core as your Powerhouse and it is comprised of the abs, oblique, lats and gluts. These muscles work in harmony to provide stabilization for your body, in essence, the Powerhouse is the transfer station of control between your upper and lower body. A strong Powerhouse also creates good posture and functions to keep your internal organs protected.
Pilates exercises are designed to stabilize the torso and work the muscles of the powerhouse. All movements are initiated from the powerhouse to strengthen and support the muscles surrounding the core, allowing arms and legs to move more freely which will increases your flexibility and strength. Pilates works several muscle groups at the same time, stretching one muscle group while strengthening another, this requires a great deal of abdominal control. With consistent workouts result can be a long, lean, and toned body.