Pilates

Joseph Pilates developed "Contrology" as a method to achieve total body fitness and health.  He believed that mindful movement, focusing on posture, breath and uniform development, would result in a "body with sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing out many and varied tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure".  

The health benefits of Pilates include:

• improved flexibility
• increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
• balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body
• enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs
• improved stabilisation of your spine
• improved posture
• rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
• improved physical coordination and balance
• relaxation of your shoulders, neck and upper back
• safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
• prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
• increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing
• improved concentration
• increased body awareness
• stress management and relaxation.

Pilates works for every body.  It is a gentle form of exercise that can be customized to increase intensity based on your existing fitness level, or provide rehabilitation for injuries.  The key of Pilates is MOVEMENT.  As Joe said, "Change happens through movement and movement heals".