Pilates

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a series of low-impact flexibility and muscular-endurance exercises. It incorporates the use of special apparatus and equipment into movement routines designed to enhance flexibility, strength, and coordination.

This method of exercise was designed by, Joseph Pilates (1880 – 1967) when he devoted his early adulthood to conquering the physical imperfection he acquired as a child from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. During World War I Pilates designed a specialized exercise apparatus and exercise routine that led to his becoming an accomplished skier, diver, gymnast, and boxer.

In 1926 he brought his method of body conditioning to New Your City and it became popular among dancers and performers. The dance profession continued to incorporate the Pilates training method throughout the 20th century.

Pilates improves –

• flexibility
• transversus abdominus activation
• lumbar-pelvic stability
• muscular activity

In addition Pilates can be used as a therapeutic intervention in treatment of lower back pain or other injury rehabilitation.

Stott Pilates

Stott Pilates is a modern version of the original exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates. It was developed by Moira and Lindsay Merrithew in the 1980s. Moira, a career dancer, received her Pilates training in New York City from Romana Kryzanowska, a protégé of Joseph Pilates. Following this training Moira returned to Toronto and began work with Lindsay to develop the Stott Pilates method. For twenty years they worked with physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professional to refine the method.

The major difference between Stott Pilates and Joseph Pilates’s original method is that Stott Pilates focuses on maintaining the natural curvature of the spine, while Joseph Pilates’s method uses a straight spine.

Stott Pilates exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints. This involves placing more emphasis on pelvic and scapular stabilization, and integration of all the parts of the body into one. As well, preparatory exercises and modifications allow the technique to be appropriate for many different body types and abilities, making it applicable to sport-specific training and everyday life.

Biomechanical principles of Stott Pilates

• Breathing
• Pelvic placement
• Rib cage placement
• Scapular movement
• Head & cervical spine placement

Stott Reformer Pilates

Stott Reformer Pilates sessions are offered by Stott Pilates certified trainer, Daina Fawn, within power walking, walking or bike ride distance from Kapoho Sanctuary.

                 

                                        

Power walk, bike or run to your appointment to enhance your workout.