What is Pilates?

NHWC Machines_024Pilates is a theory and practice that unites the body and mind, creating a well-balanced, centered, strengthened whole being.

Pilates has always been more than just exercise. It is whole-body conditioning, based on the coordination of breathing and movement, a strong “core cylinder” of muscles to support the spine, and a body/mind connection. Joseph Pilates was decades ahead of his time in his theories, and we now have scientific research supporting Joe’s work, originally called “Contrology.”

Through breath and controlled, thoughtful movement, Pilates is truly a path to wellness and vitality.  Exercises are performed on the mat and on various pieces of equipment with springs for resistance. This is an optimal environment to strengthen and stretch muscles, and to train the fascia—a layer of connective tissue between our skin and muscles. The result is elongated, elastic, stronger, muscles that are more resistant to injury, and a well-balanced and centered body. Better posture and balance, increased range of motion, and reduced pain are just a few of the many benefits of this practice.

Other Pilates benefits

Most of us have muscular asymmetry in our bodies due to right- or left-handedness and the effects of gravity. Lifestyles, sitting at a computer, or sports such as golf or tennis create increased muscular imbalances. Scoliosis or an injury or accident also create imbalances that quite often result in pain.

Pilates is the ideal approach to balancing these asymmetries, especially when combined with chiropractic care. We specialize in combining chiropractic care with therapeutic exercises on an array of Pilates equipment to break down faulty movement patterns and help you achieve postural alignment.

Our studio is fully equipped with Balanced Body equipment:

  • Six Allegro 2 Reformers
  • Trapeze Table
  • Combo Chair, 4 EXO Chairs
  • Ladder Barrel
  • Spine Correctors
  • Many small props that challenge stability and balance

A session at our studio is like a day at the spa! We pamper you with relaxation and “decompression,” while you stretch, strengthen and align. You leave invigorated and lengthened. With each session, you get stronger, leaner, relieved of pain and often times, taller! Well…at least you feel that way.

 What is Contemporary Pilates?

Contemporary Pilates is the newest generation of this discipline, using modern science to adapt the original teachings to today’s knowledge. Instructors of the newer methods believe that although the method of Joseph Pilates was ahead of its time, certain changes needed to be made.

The primary difference between contemporary and classic methods is the placement of the spine. In classic Pilates, the founder used a flat back as the ideal line for the spine, while contemporary Pilates favors the neutral spine with its natural curves, because it is the most shock-absorbent position.

Contemporary methods also use modifications and variations to the exercise sequence to prepare people. Recently, Stott Pilates rearranged the original order of their exercises to keep the spine moving in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion earlier in the practice. The original work has the spine in flexion for quite an extended period.