Pilates

What are the benefits of Pilates?PHYSICAL: Improved muscular strength Improved muscular endurance Improved flexibility Increased lung capacity Improved muscular efficiency Improved posture Decreased spine and/or joint pain Increased energy Core Strength Abdominal Control

MENTAL: Increased body awareness Improved concentration Reduced stress

Pilates is a method of physical and mental conditioning brought to the United States by Joseph Pilates in 1923.  Called “contrology,” it focused on precise, specific exercise that were designed to restore optimal, efficient movement patterns throughout the body.  In the 20th century, different athletic disciplines, including physical therapy and rehabilitation, have begun to adopt the principles of Joseph Pilates and integrate his method into standard, daily practice.

The focus of Pilates is neuromuscular education and the restoration of balanced movement patterns.  It involves controlled movements and a variety of positions.  It can be a great adjunct to any regular exercise or rehabilitation program.

Finding a qualified Pilates instructor:

The growth of the fitness industry, the rising popularity of Pilates, and the explosion of readily-accessible “get rich quick” schemes found on the internet has made it very easy for anyone to place the terms “certified Pilates instructor” behind his or her name.  The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) was established by Pilates practitioners to help maintain standards of practice of Pilates instructors and to protect the consumer by establishing certification and continuing education standards for Pilates professionals.  The PMA created a certification exam that has been adopted by Pilates studios and gyms across the country, allowing only the most qualified instructors to teach Pilates.

It is important that the client be aware of the different levels of training that are available so that he or she may choose from those that uphold the highest standards of quality and expertise.  This will allow the client a more rewarding experience, with less risk of injury.

At Equipoise, we ensure that the client is receiving the highest quality of care by employing only those who are certified by nationally-recognized Pilates programs that emphasize the rehabilitation component of Pilates, and/or licensed physical therapists who have received extensive training in the principles of Pilates and who are able to recognize faulty postures and positioning before they lead to injury.