What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise that concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on the core, which consists of the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, pelvic floor muscles, erector spinae, multifidus, and glutes. This helps to improve general fitness and overall well-being.  Pilates focuses on alignment, posture, core activation, and synchronizing the breath to movement.

This form of exercise was developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany, where he was a carpenter and gymnast. He invented Pilates as an exercise program for injured dancers and soldiers while living in the UK. Joseph Pilates believed that physical and mental health were closely connected. In the 1920’s he immigrated to the US and opened a Pilates studio in New York. Originally this form of exercise was called Contrology.

Pilates at MOTI

Pilates utilizes different equipment to accomplish the goals of motor control, precision, and alignment. Here at MOTI Physiotherapy, we offer Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates. Several of our therapists are certified in Pilates for Rehabilitation to safely guide you through.

We like Pilates because it is a low-impact exercise, so it is typically safer for the joints, helps create balance between strength and flexibility, and is less taxing to the cardiovascular system. It helps our patients with circulation, body awareness, and ease in everyday movements. Common conditions that can benefit from Pilates include:

-Low back pain

-Scoliosis

-Neck pain

-Post surgical patients

-Women’s Health and Perinatal patients

-Fibromyalgia