SMARTBODY
MOVEMENT PILATES IN BROOKLINE
Smartbody
Movement ∷
54a
Harvard Street ∷
Brookline
Village, MA ∷
PILATES
The
Pilates Method is a body conditioning program,
developed in the 1920s by Joseph H. Pilates, to
help correct the body’s postural balance.
Originally called “Contrology,” this program was
a response to Pilates’ personal observations
about the negative impact of the modern
lifestyle, which he blamed for bad posture and
inefficient breathing patterns.
His answer to these challenges was to create a unique series of life-enhancing physical exercises that are designed to use the whole body at all times. Like many Eastern practices, the Pilates method trains the body as a way to also condition the mind. The exercises themselves apply “corrective resistance,” via apparatuses made of springs and pulleys, or simple stretches that are performed on a mat.
“Look, you see it resists your movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it,” Pilates said of the Pilates equipment. “That way you can concentrate on the movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it.”
The exercises, although performed slowly, and with minimal repetition and minimal effort, yield improvements in the following areas:
- coordination
- balance
- strength
- flexibility
After repeated practice, muscular imbalances even out, upright posture vastly improves, and the body becomes toned and flexible, with long, lean muscle lines. To maintain optimum strength and bone density, and stay in good shape, it is best performed two-to-three times per week, under well-certified instruction.
His answer to these challenges was to create a unique series of life-enhancing physical exercises that are designed to use the whole body at all times. Like many Eastern practices, the Pilates method trains the body as a way to also condition the mind. The exercises themselves apply “corrective resistance,” via apparatuses made of springs and pulleys, or simple stretches that are performed on a mat.
“Look, you see it resists your movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it,” Pilates said of the Pilates equipment. “That way you can concentrate on the movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it.”
The exercises, although performed slowly, and with minimal repetition and minimal effort, yield improvements in the following areas:
- coordination
- balance
- strength
- flexibility
After repeated practice, muscular imbalances even out, upright posture vastly improves, and the body becomes toned and flexible, with long, lean muscle lines. To maintain optimum strength and bone density, and stay in good shape, it is best performed two-to-three times per week, under well-certified instruction.
WHAT PILATES CAN DO FOR YOU
A
resistance based movement technique, Pilates has
many benefits. It brings the whole body into
union by addressing the respiratory system,
nervous system and musculoskeletal system. It
activates the deep muscles of the torso and the
postural muscles of the spine, which help to
stabilize the trunk as the body moves. Such
conditioning alleviates back pain and prevents
injury.
It also improves the following:
- body awareness and a correct sense of the joints’ proper positions
- weight distribution from the hip and sacrum, or lower spine, down into the structure of the leg bones
- torso stability
- support to the whole structure of the body and its natural design
Pilates also relieves symptoms, like excess muscle tension, due to a variety of common causes, including:
- stress
- trauma
- accident
- injury
- overuse
Pilates has been shown to successfully improve strength and endurance for a variety of individuals, including:
- dancers
- athletes
- performing artists
- fitness enthusiasts
- those seeking greater freedom in their everyday movement
- those seeking freedom from pain
- office and sedentary workers seeking exercise to counter occupational strain
“The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.” -- Joseph H. Pilates
It also improves the following:
- body awareness and a correct sense of the joints’ proper positions
- weight distribution from the hip and sacrum, or lower spine, down into the structure of the leg bones
- torso stability
- support to the whole structure of the body and its natural design
Pilates also relieves symptoms, like excess muscle tension, due to a variety of common causes, including:
- stress
- trauma
- accident
- injury
- overuse
Pilates has been shown to successfully improve strength and endurance for a variety of individuals, including:
- dancers
- athletes
- performing artists
- fitness enthusiasts
- those seeking greater freedom in their everyday movement
- those seeking freedom from pain
- office and sedentary workers seeking exercise to counter occupational strain
“The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.” -- Joseph H. Pilates