Have you noticed how Pilates seems to be everywhere these days?
We hear about it from all corners: your friend’s sister practices on the Reformer, your uncle alleviated his back pain through Pilates, your neighbor did it as a young dancer in New York, and your best friend gave it a try at the gym.
My name is Lorenzo, founder of Lorenzo’s Pilates Corner, offering Pilates classes in Rotterdam, specialized in Personalized Pilates training.
My own personal journey with Pilates started during my dance training, where it deepened my understanding of my body and helped me warm up and prepare for the stage. (read more about me)
But what exactly is Pilates? Where does it come from? Why is it even called that?
Pilates, what is it?
The Pilates Method is a form of exercise for the whole body, focusing on breath, alignment, and mobility.
It is generally highly adjustable for different levels of fitness and special needs.
It can be taught one-on-one or in small groups and can be practiced anywhere on a mat or with the use of small props or different types of equipment (like the Reformer, Tower, Chair…).
Why the name Pilates?
Pilates takes its name from Joseph Pilates (1883-1967), the creator of ‘the art of Contrology,’ a system for physical exercise and a life philosophy meant to restore health balance in the lives of those practicing it.
Joseph Pilates realized soon that our urban civilization was far too often disconnected with our physical body, and that disconnection decreased our well being and increased illnesses and pains.
In the Art of Contrology he proposes a full comprehensive system of exercises to reconnect mind and body and take ownership of our heath and wellness. (read more about Pilates history here)
What can Pilates do?
The Pilates Method has the potential to:
- enhance body awareness
- strengthen the whole body
- increase mobility
- improve imbalances
- manage stress
Pilates supports daily life, allows us to experience it fully and maintain physical fitness through the ages. It also improves athletic performance and can be used in rehabilitation programs.
Whether you wanna be able to pick up your child (or grandchild), go to a sky trip or a hike in the nature, improve your game, enhance your dancing, manage pain and more…Pilates can help!
And you? What would you want Pilates to help you with? Have you tried Pilates before? What is your experience of it? Let me know in the comments!
