Pilates (pil-ah-tees)
Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in
1880 and was not a strong child. He did however strive to improve his
physical strength from an early age.
In 1912 he left Germany for England to train as a boxer. In England
during the first World War he was interned and sent to the Isle of Man
to work as a nurse. It was here that his experimentation with the springs
in hospital beds led him to the development of the "Universal Reformer".
By applying movement and resistance to the muscles, he facilitated in
the speedier recovery of injured soldiers.
From there he emigrated to the United States where he founded a revolutionary
fitness regime in New York City, which still bears his name.
He died in New York City in 1967, but his wonderful technique lives
on.
This involves a system of Movement therapy based on a profound understanding
of the human body.
He was a man ahead of his time - developing deep Torso strength and
flexibility. The essence of his exercises was proper breathing and control
over the body with the main focus being on the abdominal muscles thereby
connecting to what is called the "CORE" abdominals and improving
posture: reducing the risk of injury for dancers, skaters, athletes
and people with wanted awareness of their bodies. This consists of over
500 movements, each being done for a limited time, therefore eliminating
boredom and mindless repetition. Also, as Joseph Pilates himself said,
there is no need to do more than 3 sessions in a week over a period
of time to see a difference
Breath, concentration, control centreness,
fluidity of movement and increasing lengthening and flexibility, which
is achieved by this neuromuscular technique, and is synergizing together
for optimal physical and mental well-being. Posture and muscle tone
is improved by the strengthening of abdominal muscles along with the
spine, to result in looking good and feeling great in every stream of
life or profession.
Pilates is validated by many professional dancers, two of the most well
known being Martha Graham and George Balanchine.
Mrs. Markus has extensive training and personal experience with the
Pilates regime.
While dancing with the Joffrey II Ballet Company in New York City, she
incorporated Pilates into her daily routine. It has been a part of her
life ever since, and this, she is convinced, has aided her in remaining
injury free during her dancing and teaching career.
We teach on a private basis by appointment with a 2 month package being
available.
The premises are designed in a relaxing atmosphere wth skylights in
the studio area, fully air-conditioned with two large dressing rooms
and a pleasant waiting room
Public parking is available within steps of the studio..
Testimonial letter from Reg. Physiotherapist
Gordon Lowe (reg. PT, BScPT, Hons. BSCKinesiology),416-536-9206
Physiotherapists as movement specialist are concerned
with the quality, ease and range of movement provided by the body's
joints and muscles. The ability of an individual to produce movement
depends upon the proper body alignment of joints, and the functioning
of specific musculature to produce those movements. Poor technique or
alignment on a repetitive basis inevitably results in injury. Physiotherapy
has placed great emphasis on stabilization of the joints and proper
muscle balance, especially the pelvis and shoulder through manual therapy
techniques, exercise and muscle re-education to encourage proper movement
and reduce the risk of injury.
Dancers, "specialists in the use of the body as an instrument for
interpretation" are also concerned with the ability to produce
movement. The repetitive nature and the stress placed on the body by
the dancer increases the risk of injury. Therefore proper body alignment
and muscle strength and balance are imperative to the longevity of a
dancer's career.
PILATES, originally developed for dancers, improves muscle function
and alignment and incorporates the necessary elements to stabilize joints
in order to develop or improve body movement, reduce the risk of injury
and promote career longevity.
Therefore, the incorporation of Physiotherapy and Pilates in a program
of development of rehabilitation can enhance and optimize the outcome.
Please feel free to Contact
Us about class times and with any other questions you may have.
Pilates Works ® is now pleased to announce the
launch of Pilates Works ® Equipment.
To see a working demonstration please choose either
of these links: Single
Use :: Double
Use (please not that these demonstrations are not Real Time).
To view these you will need minimum Macromedia Shockwave 5. For a free
download please click
here.
This material, including any photographs may not be
copied or used in any form without the permission of Pilates Works ®
or Classics Dance Studio Inc.
[About Us] [Pilates
Works ®][Pilates Works® Equipment][Pilates
Certification] [Events] [Directors]
[Schedule] [Contact
Us] [Home]