What is Pilates?

Pilates is a method of body conditioning invented by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s. It involves movements on specialized apparatus, designed to strengthen, balance, stretch and align the body. This method of physical and mental exercise focuses on strengthening the abdominal core, also known as the “powerhouse.”

The powerhouse encompasses the abdominals: rectus, transverses, internal and external obliques. Pilates movements are initiated from this powerful part of the body and flow outward to the extremities. This fluid movement is accompanied with various breath patterns that encourage diaphragmatic breathing.

With Pilates, the goal is to create harmony between mind and body.