DawsonTimes.com

Worlds away from the clanging weights of the bodybuilders, and the punishing stomping of the aerobic classes offered at mainstream fitness centers, Pilates exercises can reshape your body and mind through gentle movements and an internal focus.  Just what is Pilates? Pilates is an innovative system of mind-body exercises evolved from the principles Joseph Pilates developed during the early 1900s.   Pilate’s exercises are gentle, encouraging natural alignment and posture, while strengthening and toning muscles.

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in the late 1800s and as a child, suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever.  Determined not to allow his illnesses to dictate his life, he began studying every medical and exercise text he could find.  He worked from anatomy texts, Yoga teachings and the ancient Greek and Roman teachings.  From these studies he developed his own series of exercises and successfully healed his body to the point that he became an anatomy model for the medical texts of the time.  Later, he perfected his exercises as he worked with both rehab patients to rebuild muscle strength and with classical dancers to improve core stability and flexibility.

Originally popular with dancers, Pilates soon caught on with Hollywood elite and mainstream fitness followed.  Since that time, Pilates has grown into a fitness revolution that has more than 10 million people practicing worldwide.   Pilates exercises are easy to follow, and require little, if any, equipment. Most Pilates mat classes require nothing more than bare feet, a place to lie down, and concentration on form and quality.   Dramatically transforming the way your body looks, feels, and performs, Pilates builds strength without excess bulk, creating a toned body with streamlined muscles.  Through the fluid movements, Pilates teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement while improving flexibility, agility and balance.

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