About - Pilates

General Overview

Pilates is a physical conditioning system that was developed in the early part of the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Serving as a medic in WWII England, Joseph Pilates researched ways in which wounded soldiers could rehabilitate themselves while bed ridden. He attached pulleys, straps and springs to their beds and created what then became known as "contrology." This conditioning system is what we now know as Pilates. Control, rhythm, focus, form, concentration, centering, alignment, fluidity and breathing are all essential parts of Pilates.

Basic Pilates, called "matwork," involves callisthenic motions performed on a padded mat. Many of these exercises have a yoga influence. Joe Pilates also invented five major pieces of equipment. Working both the machines and the mat are what the Pilates conditioning system is about. Central to Pilates is what Joe called the "powerhouse," consisting of the abdomen, buttocks and lower back. With a supported and strong Powerhouse the rest of the body can move freely, gracefully and healthfully. Kinesthetic awareness of spinal alignment and postural muscles are key to performing the Pilates method of conditioning in its optimum efficiency.

Why Pilates?

Pilates improves strength, flexibility and awareness of your body in space. It develops. It gives you a body prepared for the unexpected. While many exercises in Pilates may seem simple, their power potential must not be underestimated. Joe Pilates said 95% of the people he saw had physical problems due to bad posture and weak abdominal muscles. In this age of fast food, late work hours, and no sleep, things have only gotten worse.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

During your first session, we will do a general posture evaluation. We begin with the basics: getting you to become aware of breathing, muscle structure and how you use your body. The process is slow in the beginning, but as you grasp the fundamentals, you will begin to realign your posture and exercise your muscles in the most efficient way to support your bones.

Results

Pilates can relieve stress, build strength, and improve balance and coordination. It will also increase flexibility, redistribute weight, balance musculature and boost energy. Pilates is also a great way to change bad postural habits that may lead to injury and ill health. Here at Rolates everyone progresses at his or her own rate. We believe in re-educating the body and spine back to the natural aligned state we were in as children. You will be able to function better in your daily activities with greater ease, grace and lack of injury. Grow old gracefully—you're never too young or too old to start.

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