Based on Joseph Pilates' six principles of breathing, precision, flowing movement, centering, control and concentration, the Pilates method stretches and exercises the entire body, working long muscles and teaching correct breathing.
Increasing the spine's flexibility and core strength, it improves posture, relieving backache and flattening the stomach. Pilates focuses on the body's core strength: the muscles that run from the pelvis to the rib cage and diaphragm supporting the spinal column and pelvis. The major muscle groups that make up the core are the transverse abdominis, the multifidus, the pelvic floor muscles, the rectus abdominis and the obliques. Once these muscles are strengthened, the rest of the body finds its natural balance. |
