Pilates

An innovative system of exercise that dramically transforms the way your body looks, feels, and most importantly, performs. Pilates teaches body awareness and improves flexibility, agility, and economy of motion.  Pilates was evolved from techniques created by Joseph Pilates 70 years ago, and has long been the exclusive regimen of famous celebrities, top models, athletes and professional sport figures and dancers. It is a method of effortless low impact body movement as it strengthens, lengthens and creates a tone trim body while actually correcting aligment and posture.

The Benefits of Pilates

• A refreshing mind-body workout
  Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body. By emphasizing power breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential and helps you to execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.
  
  
• Build strength without "bulking up" - gain long, lean muscles and flexibility
  Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.
  
  
• Develop a strong core - flat abdominals and a strong back
  Pilates exercises develop a strong "core", or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Control of the core is achieved by integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle.
  
  
• Learn efficient patterns of motion
  Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.
  
  
• Be confident and safe
  No other system is so gentle to your body while giving it a challenging workout. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing, Pilates is so safe, it is used in Canyon Physical Therapy to rehabilitate injuries.
  
  
• Be Challenged
  Pilates is also an extremely flexible exercise system. Modifications to the exercises allow for a range of difficulty ranging from beginning to advanced. Get the workout that best suits you now, and increase intensity as your body conditioning improves.

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