What is Pilates?

Originally called Contrology, Joseph Pilates created this system of exercise in the early 20th century. Pilates used the name, "Contrology" because his goal was for clients to become aware of what they were feeling during movement and to help them move mindfully, efficiently and according to correct biomechanics. Pilates believed that the natural design of the body, used to its fullest potential, would bring health to the body, mind and spirit.

Pilates involves the entire body, with an emphasis on the deepest stabilizer muscles. Commonly referred to as the "core", Pilates focuses less on the external major muscles of the trunk and more on the diaphragm, tranverse abdominals, pelvis floor and multifidi. The activation of these muscles, because they are closest to our spine, are crucial for finding balance, strength and fluidity. "Core", in Pilates, is found in relationship with gravity, thus the trainer helps the client to become aware of what they are feeling, what muscles are working, and what unnecessary tension is being created. The result is a strong, flexible, long and lean body.

There are a lot of concerns today about the amount of spinal flexion involved in Pilates. Pilates on The Square is committed to Safe Spine Teaching Technique, shown in the video below.

Safe Spine Teaching Technique | Why & How from Rebecca Leone on Vimeo.

Each Pilates class includes the foundations of Pilates. They are:

Breathing
Concentration
Control
Precision
Whole Body Movement
Balanced Development
Centering
Rhythm
Relaxation

There are two types of Pilates classes offered at Pilates on the Square. One is the more traditional Pilates exercises executed on a padded mat. The other features the Reformer and other apparatus.

Many people are intimidated by equipment in a Pilates studio. However, all of the equipment was designed to support you during the movement, facilitating proper alignment and form. It has been said that “the Reformer is not a machine; it is an apparatus. A machine works you; you work an apparatus.”

Traditional Pilates Using a Padded Mat

Pilates Using the Reformer Apparatus

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