Pilates

I have the privilege of being a Pilates instructor! Pilates is a popular class at the local gyms. It was designed during WWI by Joseph Pilates. Pilates was a German who became disenchanted with the political direction his country was taking and immigrated to the United States. Though his methods were first used for military purposes, Pilates was quickly embraced by the dance and entertainment community. Pilates not only conditions the entire body but helps rehabilitate after injury.

Pilates focused on strengthenging, stretching, and stabalizing a few key muscles. Incorporating proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement is how this total body conditioning is achieved. The result is long, lean muscles (like those of a dancer!).

If you're new to Pilates, thinking about all of those principles at one time can be overwhelming. However, consistency will gain mastery. Joseph Pilates had a 10-20-30 concept: after 10 sessions, you will be comfortable with the moves and notice a difference. After 20 sessions, you and others will notice a difference. And after 30 sessions, you will have a whole new body! All of this assuming you make good choices outside of the Pilates sessions.

In the late 1960's, Joseph Pilates claimed that he was 50 years ahead of his time. As Pilates has gained incredible momentum in the past 10 years, I would say he was right on target! Pilates continues to gain popularity. But this isn't a fad. Pilates will be an industry standard for years to come.