“A lifestyle Change, Not just an Exercise Class“
The eight principles of Pilates.
Concentration | Concentrate, relax and feel calm.
Breathing | Lateral, thoracic breathing
Control | All moves are performed slowly with control.
Centring | Activating the core muscles
Precision | Each movement is precise.
Movement | Flowing movements evenly paced
Routine | Practise regularly.
Isolation | Isolate the muscles which enhance postural control
Benefits of Pilates:
- Improved concentration, more focused.
- Improved muscle control.
- Improved body awareness.
- Lowered stress levels.
- Improved flexibility.
- Improved muscle endurance and muscle tone
- Greater joint mobility and increased bone density
- Improved stability and mobility
- Improved balance.
- More efficient respiratory system
- More efficient lymphatic system( less toxins in the body)
- More efficient circulatory system
- Better posture and alignment
- Reduced back pain
- Reduced the risk of injury
- Improved Immune system
Some Inspiring Quotes from Joseph Pilates
PILATES ON AGE:
“A man is as young as his spinal column.”
“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.”
“We retire too early and we die too young, our prime of life should be in the 70’s and old age should not come until we are almost 100.”
PILATES ON BREATHING:
“Above all, learn how to breathe correctly.”
“Breathing is the first act of life and the last. Our very life depends on it. Since we cannot live without breathing it is tragically deplorable to contemplate the millions and millions who have never mastered the art of correct breathing.”
“Lazy breathing converts the lungs, literally and figuratively speaking, into a cemetery for the deposition of diseased, dying and dead germs as well as supplying an ideal haven for the multiplication of other harmful germs.”
“The lungs cannot be completely deflated at first without considerable effort. With perseverance, however, the desired results can be accomplished and with increasing power, gradually and progressively develop the lungs to their maximum capacity.” (note: lungs do not entirely deflate with conscious effort)
PILATES ON INTEGRATION OF MIND AND BODY:
“[Pilates] is gaining the mastery of your mind over the complete control over your body.”
“[Pilates] is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.”
“[Pilates] develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.”
“Concentrate on the correct movement each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all the vital benefits. Correctly executed and mastered to the point of subconscious reaction, these exercises will reflect grace and balance in your routine activities.”
PILATES ON PHYSICAL FITNESS:
“A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.”
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”
“Physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing out many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure”
“I MUST BE RIGHT. NEVER AN ASPIRIN. NEVER INJURED A DAY IN MY LIFE. THE WHOLE COUNTRY, THE WHOLE WORLD, SHOULD BE DOING MY EXERCISES. THEY’D BE HAPPIER.”