Who Can Benefit?

Joseph Pilates originally devised his machines with the idea of rehabilitating bed-ridden patients. However, he also believed -and proved- that a physically fit population was better able to ward off injury and illness. These two ideas melded in his New York City studio, where some of dance history's greatest stars practiced his technique. But it was not solely relegated to dancers. New Yorkers in the know were able to get a workout that was smart, left them feeling invigorated, and with sleek muscles. Doctors would send their patients as a way to strengthen their core muscles (abdominals and lower back), helping to alleviate back pain.

The technique has survived for seventy years, but within the last five years the message has made it out to the public. Pilates is performed by people choosing to get physically fit. Women and men alike are discovering the benefits of body/mind work.

Some populations who immediately benefit:

• Active, healthy people
• People with lower back pain
• People recovering from injuries (with Doctor and/or Physical Therapist's consent)
• People looking to regain muscle strength and flexibilty
• People looking to develop long, sleek muscles, and not wishing to "bulk up"
• Anyone looking to correct improper muscle use, muscle imbalances, habitual uneven muscle use (those bent over computers, gripping the phone between her/his ear and shoulder, those performing repetitive movements [tennis serve, golf swing, etc...])
• and of course dancers and atheletes.

  *Remember: Pilates is an excellent muscle conditioning regimen, but it is not a cardio-vascular exercise. Pilates should be a component in a balanced fitness program which includes cardio-vascular work and body/mind work.

Click here to see a 'before and after' diagram.