What is Pilates?
„In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference,
in 20 you’ll see the difference
and in 30 you’ll have a new body”.
Joseph H. Pilates
PILATES is a gentle yet highly effective training method for both the body and the mind—a systematic physical training program invented and developed by Joseph H. Pilates. Individual muscles or muscle groups are specifically activated, relaxed, or stretched. It is not the quantity but the quality of the PILATES exercises that counts, and breathing is coordinated with the movements.
Special attention is given to the core. Training the deep muscles in the pelvis and waist improves mobility. This allows the pelvis and shoulder area to rotate more freely relative to one another. By activating this powerhouse, the waist and hips become slimmer—as a side effect, so to speak. Pilates gets muscles and joints moving again without straining them.
People who practice Pilates soon change their movement and posture habits, thereby incorporating the training into their daily lives. Many Pilates exercises can also be effectively incorporated into everyday activities or other sports. People who practice Pilates appear taller, more upright, more relaxed, and slimmer—simply more natural.
Pilates—training on the mat or on equipment?
Pilates training is based on six principles that ensure the workout is effective and successful:
- Centering
- Concentration
- Precision
- Control
- Flow
- Breathing
In Pilates classes, you learn to apply these principles, and after just a few sessions, your body has figured out how to do it correctly.
The equipment is designed for specific, personalized training and helps you test your body’s limits under supervision while working with gravity. But Pilates on the mat is also an effective full-body workout.