Pilates
Once upon a time in Germany, a baby was born, but unfortunately, he was quite sickly. He managed to survive and later traveled to England and became a bodybuilder, gymnast, and boxer. He even had a stint performing in the circus. Some years later, World War I started and he worked as a hospital orderly where he developed his own rehabilitation style that focused on the mind and body. Under his care, patients seemed to recover more quickly. The man, Joseph Pilates, later moved to New York and opened a studio that focused on the principles he’d honed throughout his life – core strength, balance, and mental focus. His methods were unique and widely popular, and so today we have Pilates, his lasting legacy to the world of fitness.
While there will always be Pilates studios or classes at the local gym, Evolution Physical Therapy is PT-founded, meaning we take the great fundamentals of this popular exercise and focus on form, technique, and minimizing injury. Pilates, great for treating lower back pain and getting in your regular exercise in a fun and engaging way, can be the perfect way for patients of athletes of any level to incorporate a new activity into their routine.
Where can I participate in Pilates?
We have specialized Pilates classes in several of our locations, including Evolution of Beverly Hills, Denver, Parker, Playa Vista, Playa Vista eFit, and Santa Monica. Find your closest Evolution to get started with our Pilates classes today!
How Does Pilates Work?
Pilates is a workout for the whole body with a focus on core strength and flexibility. It involves approximately 50 simple exercises designed for muscle strength, posture, and balance. Pilates can either be practiced more gently, such as during rehabilitation, or more intensely for those seeking a fitness challenge. The Pilates exercises are done a few times each and are performed on a mat or via a Reformer machine. During the exercises, which may somewhat resemble yoga, individuals focus on breathing and concentration. Movements are controlled and the practitioner should work on contracting and engaging the muscles of the abdomen and lower back.
Benefits of Pilates
There are a great many benefits to Pilates, including:
- Improved balance and coordination
- Enhancement of core strength
- Improved posture
- More flexibility
- Reduction of stress
- Accessibility – Pilates is for varied fitness and skill levels
Who should consider Pilates
Almost anyone can benefit from Pilates. This includes:
- Athletes of any level
- Office workers
- People who are often sedentary
- Elderly people
- People who want to improve their posture
- Someone wanting to try a new workout
- Anyone looking for a low-impact exercise
- Those who are recovering from injury
- Individuals seeking a mind-body connection
Learn More About Pilates at Your Nearest Evolution Location
If you are suffering from muscle tightness and spasms, Pilates may be right for you. Schedule an appointment with one of our highly skilled physical therapists today!
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At Evolution, we’re committed to helping you achieve effective, long-term results for your injury or condition. Check out reviews from our other patients about their own experiences!
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