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Mindful Movement Centre - Pilates

The Pilates method (pronounced "puh-lah-teez") of body conditioning focuses on improving flexibility and strengthening the entire body without building bulk.

It is a safe and effective form of exercise that teaches proper breathing and body alignment, improves concentration and is a recommended form of injury prevention. Pilates is a system of over 500 controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles. Pilates works several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion, with a particular concentration on strengthening and stabilizing the body's core. The focus in Pilates is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. It takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity. Pilates conditions the body from head to toe with a no- to low-impact approach ideal for people of all ages and physical conditions.		Leslie is a wonderful teacher who is very knowledgeable in kinaesthetics. She enlightens her students to understand the nature of movement and thus enhances their body awareness. She makes her Pilates classes interesting and fun by using different equipment and exercises. Leslie is an extremely skilled teacher who cares about her students' progress.Bev Basen, Teacher

a short history of pilates

The founder of the Pilates method, Joseph Pilates, was born in Germany in 1880. He was a frail child intent on overcoming his various physical afflictions.

He studied yoga, tai chi and various fitness regimens from the ancient Greeks and Romans. As he grew stronger and overcame his physical disabilities he became a skier, gymnast, boxer and diver.

From The Centre - A Short History of Pilates - Josef H. Pilates Pilates was interned in England during WWI due to his German citizenship, during which time he worked as an orderly in the Isle of Man. There he helped rehabilitate patients using many things including hospital bedsprings.

After the war, he returned to Germany where he continued developing his distinctive body conditioning techniques. When the German government insisted that he train the army, not liking the political climate, he moved to the United States where he founded the New York Pilates Studio. His earliest students included famous dancers George Balanchine and Martha Graham.

From The Centre - A Short History of Pilates - Posture The Pilates method is a series of over 500 exercises that combine breath control with core conditioning to strengthen the body and reduce the risk of injury. It is also an excellent form of rehabilitation.