Have you heard of Pilates and wondered what it was?

It is a series of stretching and strengthening exercises developed over 90 years ago by Joseph Pilates. It has low impact on your joints and incredibly beneficial for all ages, sizes and fitness levels.

Pilates strengthens and tones muscles, provides flexibility and balance and improves posture and body awareness. Rather than isolating muscles and working areas of the body individually, Pilates works the body as an integrated whole.

Proper breathing techniques and alignment and stabilization of the pelvis and spine are key elements. The exercises focus on precise positioning and movement. It is performed in a slow, controlled manner rather than blowing through with great intensity. Students in any of the Pilates classes that I teach have heard me often say, “There is no chaos in Pilates.”

Pilates is best known for developing and improving core strength.

If you have back pain, a solid practice of Pilates will likely help you reduce or eliminate the pain.

Pilates is often performed as a group class on mats.

Special Pilates equipment is used in studios individually or in small groups.

A number of Pilates mat classes are offered in the Lexington area. I teach several mat classes at CenterFit and offer a free class to give you a chance to check it out. If you haven’t tried Pilates yet, I highly recommend you give it a whirl soon.

Contact me for details and a complimentary class at (803) 240-5372 .