Commonly when people think of Pilates, they think of it as the new trend that suddenly everyone is talking about. It is becoming more and more common for people to practice Pilates and there are more studios than ever before, but Pilates is far from a new practice. Pilates was first introduced by the founder Joseph Pilates in 1920.
From a young age Joseph was determined to make himself strong and healthy, he researched and practiced all kinds of exercise regimes from body building to gymnastics and the more eastern disciplines of yoga, tai chi, martial arts and Zen meditation. He studied animal movement and anatomy and essentially was dedicated to testing and documenting his results from a diverse range of movement practices.
During the war time Pilates had immigrated from Germany to Britain and was working as a nurse. He began experimenting and would train injured soldiers in bed by attaching springs to the hospital beds, so patients could tone their muscles even when they were bed bound. In 1923 Pilates moved to New York and opened his first studio. His new method became instantly popular among dancers for injury recovery and prevention and eventually became more widespread and fortunately today has become very mainstream.
At Morning Light Studio, we believe that Pilates is an essential movement practice to incorporate into your week.
Here are just some of the benefits:
- Builds core strength which helps reduce common modern ailments such as lower
- back pain, poor posture, instability of pelvis and is also essential for everyday tasks
- such as carrying groceries or picking up heavy items
- Incredible workout for the entire body, creates long, lean and strong muscles
- Almost every single Pilates exercise involve the glutes, hello booty!
- Incredible for perfect posture
- Low impact meaning its great for the joints
- Boosts mental clarity and focus
- Improves sport performance, incredible practice for athletes
- Improves flexibility
- Engages pelvic floor, incredible for women who have given birth
- Enhances circulation which promotes cell renewal, organ health and healthier skin
- Prevents the risk of injuries
- Strength without the bulk
- Can help aid with weight loss
- Helps to reduce Anxiety and stress
- Boosts stamina
- Helps with digestion
- Increased energy levels
- Perfect for everyBODY
- Can lower blood pressure
- Helps build stronger immune system
- Improves coordination, reduces risks of falling when elderly
The principles of Pilates
Joseph Pilates created 6 core principles that we still use follow today. Although Pilates has changed and evolved over the past 100 years these principles will always be the backbone of each movement we do at Morning Light Studio.
Breathing
It’s the first act of life and the last. Therefore, we should master the art of correct breathing. Joseph Pilates emphasized that the student should use full, deep breaths to pump the air fully in and out of the body. At Morning Light Studio, you will notice our teachers will always cue the breath!
Centering
Drawing your own mental and physical focus during each exercise to the core also known as the ‘powerhouse’.
Concentration
Bringing your full awareness to the movements of each exercise in order to obtain maximum benefit.
Control
It is your mind that is in control and the mind that directs and manages each muscle movement.
Flow
Pilates exercises have a fluidity of movement. The ‘flowing’ between movements may look graceful, but its intended purpose is to build strength and stamina.
Precision
Pilates is about quality over quantity. Each movement is designed to be performed with proper alignment, placement and trajectory.
