News & Events 2007/01/12 Pilates Effective for Low-Back Pain According to a small, randomized, controlled study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, participants who practiced Pilates over a 4-week period experienced more relief from their symptoms than those who went through typical treatment programs. Read Full Article... 2006/12/24 Pilates Trends Blog Our first New Year's Resolution has been accomplished early! Visit the new Pilates Trends blog for an ongoing conversation about everything to do with Pilates. 2006/11/27 Pilates can help some with Parkinson's The basics of Pilates— increasing core strength and flexibility— are helpful in countering the effects of the disease. Read more... 2006/11/08 Pilates: Is it safe for older adults? What kind of exercise is Pilates? Is it good for older people? Read more...

"In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions
you will see the difference and in 30 sessions you'll have a
whole new body!" Joseph Pilates

Pilates uses controlled movements in the form of mat exercises or Pilates equipment routines to tone and strengthen the body—it is the fitness exercise of choice for many athletes and dancers. Physiotherapists and general practitioners routinely recommend Pilates as one of the safest forms of exercise. In particular, Pilates is the ideal program for people suffering from low back problems to improve their core strength, stability and flexiblity.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a full-body exercise program of about 500 exercises, many of them based on yoga and dance, designed to build long, supple muscles, improve posture and increase flexibility. Rather than lots of repetitions, each exercise is performed only a few times but with intense concentration on form and precision. A routine daily program may include 10-15 exercises repeated 6-8 times in sequence. You can do them in a mat class or on specially-designed Pilates equipment such as the Pilates Reformer, which
intensifies the workout by adding resistance.

In addition, there is a number of Pilates accessories, such as the Magic Circle or Balance Ball, which enhance your workout by adding resistance or challenging your balance. Adding variety to your Pilates workout, accessories also help you maintain interest and motivation.

Why is Pilates so popular?

The answer is that Pilates is extremely effective. Within weeks of starting, you will have better posture, toned muscles, a flatter stomach and looser, more flexible joints. More than just exercise, Pilates is designed to engage both your body and your mind.

Named after its originator, Joseph Pilates. Mr. Pilates developed this system in the early 1900’s to improve his own fragile health and to support the health of fellow World War I internees.

Benefits of Pilates:

• develops fitness and body awareness
• improves posture and alignment
• increases flexibility
• improves ease of movement.

• improve your mental and physical well-being
• strengthens muscles
• pregnancy: pre/post natal
• prevention of injuries
• remedial and rehabilitation work
• improve technique for athletes and dancers

Pilates helps:

• Create or improve a balance between strength and flexibility
• Create an awareness of and strengthen dynamic stability
• Improve coordination
• Release stress
• Improve posture

Who can do Pilates:

• Men, women and children (over 12)
• Elderly
• As part of a therapeutic program for many physical injuries including backs

Important Note: If you are new to Pilates, or have not participated in an exercise program for more than six months, it is always advisable to check with your family doctor before starting any new exercise program.