Pilates and Stott Pilates®
PILATES! Recently, it's almost impossible to pick up a magazine without someone talking about the benefits of Pilates-based exercises. This "new" form of exercise has helped celebrities such as Courtney Cox and Madonna, ...and has helped Melina Kanakaredes from PROVIDENCE and Melissa Rivers get back into shape after their pregnancy. The reality, though, is that Pilates is not new at all. It has been around for about a century. For dancers and gymnasts, it has been a well-kept secret to stay both strong AND flexible, without building bulky muscles. In the past few years, Pilates has entered the mainstream of the fitness community, and its popularity continues to increase.

Before discussing the benefits of Pilates, let's find out more about its originator.

Who was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Pilates

These crude machines became the prototype for Pilates body conditioning exercises and Reformer equipment. He trained others internees in his method of exercise, and apparently it paid off. None of those that received his training died of the Spanish Influenza that killed over 21 million people after the war. In the 1920's, Pilates moved to America and developed a series of controlled exercises to develop strong, flexible muscles, without building bulk. His studio in New York City attracted many in the dance community, including Martha Graham and George Ballanchine. He lived to be 87 years old, an appropriate acknowledgment to the effectiveness of his training methods and fitness exercises.

Since Joseph Pilates died in 1967, much has been learned about body biomechanics. This progressive understanding has been incorporated into the original Pilates techniques to create more user-friendly exercises.

What is Stott Pilates?
After completing her extensive training in the exercise system pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates, former professional dancer Moira Stott carefully examined and refined the techniques by incorporating modern principles of spine stabilization and exercise physiology.

Today, Ms. Stott's contemporary, anatomically-based approach to Mr. Pilates' full repertoire of exercises in taught by fitness and health professionals worldwide. This approach is known as STOTT PILATES.

The ultimate goal of STOTT PILATES is to provide people with the knowledge and tools required to develop an optimally functioning body - whether rehabilitation from injury or preparing for competitive sports.

It is one of the safest and most effective exercise programs available. This mind-body exercise tones and lengthens muscles, increases abdominal and back strength, improves posture and body mechanics, reduces joint and lower back stress, balances flexibility with strength, and reduces stress and tension. Emphasis on proper breathing leave participants feeling refreshed rather that exhausted. Technique is extremely important and even experienced users of the method require a trainer to assist them through a workout. STOTT PILATES encourages balanced use of all the muscles, developing a body that is strong and lean, light and limber, and resistant to injury. The uses and benefits of STOTT PILATES are far reaching. Find out how you can feel better in your body!