Pilates is a full body workout system that integrates your body and mind into total fitness. Developed from the 1920's by the legendary physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates Method is a series of approximately 500 exercises across a wide range of specially designed exercise equipment, emphasizing abdominal strength and control along with spinal articulation. This aligns the body and trains it to unconsciously maintain a strong supported position throughout any movement used for Fitness Pilates and Rehabilitation Pilates.

The Principles:

More complex than other forms of exercises, Pilates, a fusion of western and eastern philosophies, teaches you about breathing with movement, body mechanics, balance, co-ordination, positioning of the body, spatial awareness, strength and flexibility. For full benefit of the method, you'll learn to flow from one movement to the next building stamina and cardiovascular fitness, with the basic principles of the Pilates exercise repertoire:

• Centering

• Precision

• Alignment

• Breathing

• Control

• Flowing Moment

• Relaxation

The Exercises:

Pilates and yoga share similar goals, with both systems believing in individual progress in a non-competitive arena, with emphasis on stretching as well as strengthening of muscles. However, the Pilates system works the body as a whole, co-ordinating the upper and lower musculature with the body's centre. This dramatically improves strength, flexibility, posture and co-ordination.

The Equipment:

• Reformers

• Magic Circles

• Cadillac/Trap Table

• Towers

• Pedipull

• Barrels

• Ladder Barrels

• Wunda Chair