What is Pilates?
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates at the end of World War 1.
It was primarily used as rehabilitation for wounded soldiers. Pilates may increase muscle strength and endurance, improve flexibility and posture, lead to better balance and result in decreased joint pain.
The main goal of Pilates is to strengthen the abdominals, improve posture, stabilize and elongate the spine and develop balance and overall strength.
Pilates focuses on small movements that require the use of important stabilizing muscles of the backend core. there is a strong emphasis on starting each exercise with a controlled breath that initiates a contraction of the core muscles. It can be done on a mat or on specialized equipment. The equipment is unique as it only uses springs, levers, and your own body weight to provide resistance.