What is Pilates?
The Pilates method of exercise was developed by Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), a German expatriate in England during the first World War. He developed a series of exercises and innovative equipment to help prisoners of war who were injured, disabled or sick to regain strength and mobility. After the war, he emigrated to America. In 1926, Joseph and his wife Clara Pilates set up the first Pilates studio on Eighth Avenue in New York City. His clientele included circus performers, gymnasts and dancers including performers with the New York City Ballet and modern dance. He was known to develop more than 600 exercises for the Mat and various self-invented apparatus including the Cadillac, the Reformer, the Wunda Chair and the Spine Corrector. The Pilates method has since progressed to become an ideal, mind-body exercise system that safely corrects muscular imbalances and improves posture, coordination, balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance for people of all ability levels and ages.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates is considered to be a total body workout building functional strength through a series of controlled movements that focus on core muscle groups such as the abdominals, hips, gluteals, lower and upper back, pelvic floor and inner thigh muscles. Rehab Pilates, PLLC uses Pilates apparatus including the reformer, tower, chair, arc barrel and traditional mat work with the addition of small props to facilitate the desired neuromuscular responses. STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary approach to the original Pilates exercise method. This adaption was implemented to include the modern principles of exercise science, fascial integration, spinal rehabilitation, muscle conditioning and athletic performance enhancement. Other pilates approaches may promote a flat back during exercises, whereas STOTT PILATES® exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints making it one of the safest and most effective methods available.
REHAB PILATES, PLLC
DENA BEACH, P.T.
STOTT PILATES® Full Rehabilitation Certified Instructor