About Pilates
What is Pilates?
The central aim of the Pilates method is to develop a mind and body approach to physical fitness and body awareness, working towards a strong mind, body and spirit. The method was developed by Joseph Pilates from the 1920’s onwards. Joseph believed in applying specific principles of precision, control, concentration, centering, fluidity and breath through a program of physical movements, challenging the mind to have complete awareness and control over the body.
Pilates is about using your mind and body together, working to create a well balanced and strong body. To develop a body that has; grace, agility, strength and suppleness and one that will accommodate the challenges of daily life and physical endeavor with ease.
Developing a strong “centre” or “core” is crucial to performing the repertoire both safely and effectively, whilst also developing and improving muscle balance, endurance, strength, flexibility and coordination. Pilates also requires a great deal of mental focus throughout the workout, leaving you with a wonderful sense of well being at the end of your workout.
The design of the full repertoire of exercises and equipment means that Pilates is suitable and beneficial for people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you are already super active and physically fit, or whether you feel you are unfit and perhaps lead a sedentary lifestyle. Pilates can help you achieve your personal fitness goals whatever these may be.
What is Stott Pilates?
STOTT PILATES was co-founded over 20 years ago by Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew. Having studied the original method for many years a more contemporary approach has been developed, with input from sports medicine, physical therapists and fitness professionals. STOTT PILATES have spent more than a decade refining the method and equipment. By incorporating the most modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, it is one of the safest and effective training methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification. It is used with great affect by; rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.
What is the difference between STOTT PILATES and other Pilates Techniques?
STOTT PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and athletic performance. For example, some approaches may promote a flat back, whereas STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and re-balance the muscles around joints, placing more emphasis on shoulder stabilization. Additionally there are more preparatory exercises and modifications to cater to many different body types and abilities, making it applicable to every day life.
What are the Benefits of STOTT PILATES?
- Longer, leaner muscles (less bulk, more freedom of movement)
- Improves postural problems
- Core strength, stability and peripheral mobility
- Helps prevent injury
- Enhances functional fitness – ease of movement
- Balances strength and flexibility
- Heightens body awareness
- Low impact, easy on the joints
- Customized from rehab to elite athlete
- Complements other forms of exercise
- Improves sports performance
- Improves balance, co-ordination and circulation
The STOTT PILATES Five Basic Principles of Alignment
There are 5 basic principles that provide the foundation of STOTT PILATES; they are biomechanical and body awareness issues that will help you perform the exercises safely and effectively. The principles teach us correct breathing and how to position our body through the exercises. These principles will help make you more aware of your “core” or “center” also bringing awareness to where and how your body should move.
- Breathing
- Pelvic and lumbar placement
- Rib cage placement
- Scapular movement and stabilization
- Head and cervical placement
We will teach you what each principle is about, why we apply them and most importantly how to apply them throughout your workouts. As your skill and physical fitness improve, you will move from a novice level applying the principles to ever more demanding and challenging exercises.