What is Pilates?

Pilates (pronounced Puh-LAH-teez) is a method of exercise and physical movement that is designed to stretch and strengthen the body. Joseph Pilates developed this method to revolve around using the core of the body (the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, thighs, and buttocks). It is a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on spinal range of motion, abdominal and back strengthening, flexibility, and breathing patterns. For a variety of reasons Pilates has become an exercise program recommended by many healthcare professionals for those with certain spine conditions, as well as for the prevention and wellness benefits it offers. 

Pilates exercises focus on flexibility of the spine in all planes of motion and encourages the individual to pay close attention to postural or range of motion limitations. Specific and purposeful breathing patterns help to recruit these muscles that support the spine and direct air into the lower lobes of the lungs where oxygen exchange is more efficient.  Both strength and flexibility issues throughout the body are addressed when performing Pilates exercises.

Pilates is a dynamic and total body exercise program that focuses on eight basic principles: stability, concentration, centering, alignment, breathing, control/precision, fluidity and integration. While performing any of the more than 500 exercises, these principles are applied either on the mat or on one of the five specialized pieces of equipment.

Other benefits of Pilates include mind-body focus, coordination, and endurance. Pilates is demanding because it takes a lot of focus and thought to perform each exercise correctly, safely, and effectively. There are many elements that have to come together at once to perform and exercise correctly: breathing, head/neck placement, spinal position, stabilization of the spine, shoulder blade placement, and coordination of arms and legs.

TEMPLE Wellness Studio teaches Equipment-based Pilates which provides greater benefit and is more true to the original Pilates principles.   The equipment is rigged with boards, pulleys, springs, and straps to support the feet and hands.  It may look a little intimidating, or maybe even scary, but the movements performed are surprisingly gentle. Our clients are taught to ease into the workout and gradually increase intensity.