Pilates originated as a 'body building' regime which incorporated mental focus, breathing and relaxation. Over the past 75 years it has evolved into a complex conditioning programme valuable for physical training and general well-being, as well as for rehabilitation and injury prevention.
The method was developed by Joseph Pilates, a physical trainer and student of Eastern and Western 'mind-body' applications, who spent more than 50 years refining his technique. Pilates was established in the 1930's in New York and since then centres have opened in the US, Canada, England and in Australia in the 1980's.
The Pilates Program
The Pilates program is a unique method of resistance control exercise designed to strengthen and stretch muscles, open up joints and release tension.
Through the repetition of slow, precise muscle toning exercises, Pilates re-educates the body in how to use muscles in a correct and controlled manner. The emphasis is on correct body alignment, proper breathing techniques and quality of movement.
Sequences are performed on a floor mat or specialised equipment which use springs and weight resistance to graduate exercise intensity.
Pilates is a gentle, whole-body conditioning program which is individually tailored to suit your needs.
THE GOAL OF THE PILATES METHOD IS TO PRODUCE:-
- A lean, strong and flexible physique
- Correct body alignment and balance
- Increased body awareness
PILATES HAS BEEN
SHOWN TO:-
- Improve posture
- Strengthen and realign the spine
- Develop firmer,sleeker, more powerful muscles
- Loosen tight muscles
- Relieve tension and stress
- Reduce body aches and pains
- Acquire natural rhythm and coordination
- Tone and define the body by lengthening and strengthening the muscles simultaneously
- Prevent muscle and soft tissue injury
When used consistently you will discover without conscious effort that your posture has improved, you move more gracefully and you sleep better.
Developing correct breathing technique assists with clearing the mind and enables you to focus.
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Who is Pilates for?
Pilates is an exercise system for anyone regardless of their age or physical ability. It is accessible to the young or old, athletic or sedentary.
PILATES IS PARTICULARLY
BENEFICIAL IF YOU:-
- Need personalised attention
- Are dependant on peak performances
- Want a total mind-body conditioning program
REHABILITATION
Pilates enables the body to exercise even when injured, and as such it can help minimise the wastage and weakening of muscles that might normally occur during a period of recovery.
As many exercises are done in the lying down relaxed position, all loads and stress on the spine and other body areas are reduced.
THERE IS CONSIDERABLE EVIDENCE THAT PILATES
CAN BE BENEFICIAL:-
- During the rehabilitation of injuries ranging from neck and back injuries to sprains and strains
- During post operative recovery
- For stress incontinence
- Before, during and after pregnancy
- Following gynaecological surgery
Research supports the use of Pilates for pelvic stabilisation, proximal stability and nerve related injuries (Physio Today, 1991).
What can you
expect from a
Pilates session?
The program begins with an assessment of your medical history and any current injuries.
Initially you will receive a one-on-one session, after which you will attend sessions one to three times per week. Each session is sixty minutes in length and every client receives a significant amount of individual attention.
Sessions are arranged by individual appointment and will usually take place with no more than five clients per instructor. This ensures that you receive the personalised attention necessary to achieve maximum results. Programs are continually assessed and adjusted as the client's abilities and needs change.
Everyone will experience the effects of Pilates differently. Some Pilates supporters have reported that a single workout can make a physical difference. Most clients notice the changes after 4 – 5 sessions. Many people feel a deep sense of well-being and relaxation following the session.
Frequent comments are a feeling of lightness and balance, and amazement of feeling so revitalised, not exhausted or in any pain.
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How does Pilates
contribute to
your well being?
Pilates trains your muscles to work the way they were designed to. As a consequence your body is able to hold your spine in correct allignment. This ensures that your organs are properly supported, not crushed or twisted as occurs with poor posture. The result is easy blood flow, through removal of toxins and a metabolism which operates at an optimum rate.
In other words, as your posture improves you will feel healthier and have more energy.
Who's doing Pilates?
Pilates is gaining increasing popularity as the preferred form of physical exercise and is particularly beneficial to sports people and dancers. Celebrity Pilates supporters include - Madonna, Patrick Swayze, Jody Foster, Robert Downey Jr., Jessica Lange, Candice Bergen, Sarah Jessica Parker.
MELISSA LAING'S
CORPORATE CLIENTS
INCLUDE:-
Redback Cricket Team, Adelaide City Soccer, Meryl Tankard Dance Theatre, Outlet Dance Company, Phantom of the Opera, Adelaide 36ers, Leigh Warren & Dancers, Australian Dance Theatre, Tennis Australia, Port Power, West Australian Ballet, Australian Ballet, Camry Crows and the English Cricket Team.
AND OUR CELEBRITIES
INCLUDE:-
Molly Ringwald,
Rachel Beck,
Jason Gillespie,
Glynn Nicholas
Margaret Illman,
Paul Wilson,
Greg Blewitt,
Jackie Love,
Matthew Primus &
Warren Tredrea.
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