Pilates

swimmer

 

Pilates based principles and concepts have been integrated into my public classes and as therapeutic exercises for my rehab patients. I now offer personalized exercise programs integrating Pilates' principles, both in my fitness and restorative classes open to the general public or for private sessions.

Public classes : click here for more info

Private sessions of Pilates on the mat or on the ball : : $ 40 for a 40 minute session or $ 60 for a full hour.

"The goals of therapeutic rehabilitation are similar to those of Pilates. Restored muscle function, balance, and range of motion are among the many shared objectives of these two movement-based therapies.

Joseph Hubertus Pilates delevoped the Pilates method in Germany more than 85 years ago to overcome such physical maladies as asthma and rickets. Extremely concerned about the impact of technology on the spine posture and breathing he sampled from diverse movement regimens and therapies that included yoga, self0defense, weight training and gymnastics to develop his method of consicous muscle control.

What is Pilates ? A unique method of body conditionning that combines muscle strengthening and lengthening with breathing to develop the core of the body and restore muscle balance to the musculoskeletal system.

The core refers to the muscles that span from the rib cage to the base of the pelvis.

Pilates breathing facilitates extremity motion and natural movements of the spine on inhalation and exhalation. It also helps prevent Valsalva, promote relaxation and encourage concentration.

Fundamental Pilates exercises emphasize stability while advanced exercises build on stability to promote mobility, balance, coordination, and muscle stamina.

In recent years Pilates mat exercises have been introduced with equipment that includes stability balls, small balls, exercise bands and foam rollers.

People who perform Pilates exercises can apply the principles of core training to everyday movements of life, work, and athletics.

Benefits of Pilates :

  • improved posture and kinesthetic awareness
  • compliance
  • concentration
  • enhanced strength
  • improved movement and breathing
  • increased coordination
  • neuromuscular reeducation

The beauty of Pilates is that it can bu customized to the needs and conditions of patients and can be practiced at home. Pilates offers rehabilitation specialists wide-ranging exercises that can expand the therapeutic repertoire."

From "Pilates for Rehab, a guidebook to integrating Pilates in patient care", by Elizabeth Smith and Kristin Smith