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Q: What is Pilates? A: The Pilates Method
of Body Conditioning is a comprehensive health and fitness system
comprised of over 500 exercises developed over ninety years ago
by Joseph H. Pilates. He called his system “Contrology”,
meaning the art and science of control. It is a unique system of
physical and mental conditioning, which reawakens the body through
movement, and the mind through conscious thought. The movement series
are designed to stretch and strengthen muscles without undue strain
on the joints. Benefits of the system include: stronger, streamlined
muscles without adding bulk, improved posture and balance, increased
flexibility, increased body awareness and mental confidence. Q: Who can benefit from Pilates? A:
“Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures,
restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the
spirit.” - Joseph H. Pilates. Pilates is for anyone seeking
physical harmony and balance through a refreshing and efficient
workout. Sessions are usually one-on-one with a teacher for personalized
attention to specific needs. So men and women of all ages and physical
conditions can benefit. It has been used for decades to improve
the performances of athletes such as football, baseball and basketball
players, boxers, and dancers. Contrology is also used to aid in
recovery and rehabilitation of almost any musculoskeletal injury. Q: Who was Joseph Pilates? A:
Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He was a sickly child,
plagued with rickets and asthma, and subsequently devoted himself
to developing his physical fitness and appearance. Pilates studied
Eastern and Western philosophies of fitness and wellness including
yoga, martial arts, Greek and Roman exercise. He became an accomplished
skier, diver, gymnast, boxer and world-renowned trainer. He later
moved to England, but was interned during World War 1 for his German
citizenship. It was during that time, and during the latter part
of the war, while working in a hospital, that Pilates designed exercise
apparatus to train his fellow interns and rehabilitate bed-ridden
patients. After the war, his success as a trainer brought him to
New York City, where he opened the Pilates Studio in 1926. Pilates
published 2 books: Your Health, in 1934, and Return to Life Through
Contrology, in 1945. Q: Why choose Pilates Mind And Body for my pilates training? A: Did you know that the pilates industry is not regulated? There are innumerable, cheap take-offs, and poorly trained instructors that have taken advantage of the outstanding reputation of pilates. You may not get the benefits that Pilates promises, and you could even get hurt by working with inadequately trained instructors. Be a smart Pilates consumer. Pilates Mind And Body instructors teach the real thing. Our instructors are trained in the classical form of Pilates as
originally created by Joseph Pilates himself. The owner has completed
training under Master Teacher
Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates’ protegee
and heir to his studio. Her program promotes the classic system,
as taught by Joseph Pilates, and does not focus on variations or
implementations of other philosophies. It is the most rigorous of
all the existing pilates certification programs, requiring completion
of intensive seminar training and approximately 600 apprenticeship
hours. Apprentices must also pass a series of written and practical
exams in order to be certified to teach others. Of the numerous
pilates certification programs, there are only a very limited number
which teach the classical method. Q: Why choose the classic method of Pilates Body Conditioning instead of newer, popular versions? A: Some other, more recent, adaptations of Joseph’s method tout “new and improved” techniques. Some integrate or blend other methods or more recent theories into the program. While they may certainly have conditioning benefits to offer, many fail to impart the essence of the system that makes the traditional method so holistic and powerfully effective for the entire body, as well as to achieve the mind-body connection Joseph Pilates intended. “New” does not necessarily mean “better”. return to top Q: What should I wear? A: Wear comfortable clothing that will stretch and move with you as you work out. Your instructor will need to be able to see your body, it’s muscles, and movements during each Pilates exercise. Don’t wear belts or restrictive clothing that will bunch up or create lumps under your body. Clean socks or gymnastic-type slippers are recommended. return to top Q: Is there anything I need to bring with me? A: Our studio in La Mesa has restrooms, towels, water, and exercise mats. There is ample parking available. return to top Q: How do I make an appointment for a session? A: All sessions can be arranged by calling us at the studio at 619-337-3700. We are looking forward to assisting you and answering all of your questions. return to top |
