Pilates is an exercise system using your own body weight, either on a floor mat or on equipment built by Joseph Pilates in the early 1920s. The Pilates philosophy is about quality, not quantity. Joseph Pilates believed that one exercise, done once, with precision and control was more beneficial than 10 repetitions done in a poorly executed manner.

Benefits

To help execute the movements correctly and derive the most benefit, Joseph established six specific guiding principles to be used in every exercise: breathing, concentration, control, centering, precision and flow. Applying these principles to every one of his hundreds of exercises develops smooth and efficient movement that transfers over to everyday activities, sports performance, better posture and optimal health. Pilates builds strength without bulk, improves stability and helps alleviate back pain.

Develop Flat Strong Abs and a Strong Back

The mat work alone is a total body workout of 32 specific and individual exercises ranging from level one beginner to level four advanced. A whole body functional workout can be done with as few as six of the classical mat exercises for a short full-body routine.

Be Challenged

Exercises on the mat and equipment start out with simple fundamentals to develop body awareness and perception and advance to more complex movements at the higher levels. The real challenge is to develop a smart working body, which translates to a better functioning body without having to do a lot of hard workouts.

Call Linda Elsea, a certified Pilates teacher at 480-721-0493 for private training on the Pilates Reformer, or for questions regarding Pilates classes.