History of Pilates

Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and died in New York in 1967. His childhood frailty led him to devise a programme that would improve his own body and led him into the world of gymnastics, boxing and circus performing.

During the war years he was interned because of his nationality to work in hospitals. In the days when bed rest was the norm he devised programmes for his fellow inmates and patients using springs attached to beds in order to maintain their health and fitness. The lithe musculature and ease of movement seen in cats was an image he used to illustrate the objectives of his techniques and one which he carried through with the accent on control of movement rather than just muscle strength.

With the deteriorating political climate in Germany he migrated to the USA in the early 20's and set up a studio in New York where he gained a following from some of the best known actors, dancers, singers and performers of the day. Performers don't rest when injured and he managed to exercise many through their problems when the only medical advice was to rest. Exercise therapy was unheard of in those early days and this was an early example of how it could work. The method has grown in popularity over the years and continued to expand since Joe's death. Scientific research is beginning to provide explanations for why this method works as well as providing a clearer method for sorting the huge repertoire of exercises into a logical format.

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What is Clinical Pilates?

Developed only over the last decade, Clinical Pilates links recent Australian spinal stability research with traditional pilates. Clinical Pilates exercises focus on developing a 'stable core' (the deep abdominal, pelvic floor and lower back muscles) which enables stronger, more balanced and controlled total body movement. This is achieved using controlled movements on specifically designed spring loaded equipment.

The advantages of Clinical Pilates at Freedom Physio & Pilates are:

Clinical Pilates Pilates
Instructed by a physiotherapist
One on one consultation
Injury diagnosis
Rehabilitation program
Exclusive use of equipment

What to expect from Freedom Clinical Pilates:.

Your first consultation will involve an assessment of your problem/needs, and development of a Clinical Pilates program tailored specifically for you. This program consists of a series of exercises to be used on the Clinical Pilates. Your physiotherapist will then begin teaching you the correct method for each exercise. During subsequent consultations your physiotherapist will assess the impact the program is having on you. You will have one-on-one supervision whilst learning your program to ensure correct technique and best fit of the given exercises.

Once you understand how to implement the pilates program and feel confident whilst using the equipment, you can book individual non-supervised sessions at your convenience.

Soon you will begin to recognise the benefits of Clinical Pilates through improvements in your:

  • Posture
  • Flexibility
  • Strength
  • Muscle tone
  • Co-ordination
  • Mental & emotional stress levels
  • Self-confidence
  • And general feeling of wellbeing!

The Mind and Body Workout

Pilates is a great way to give the mind and body a combined workout. Whilst performing the exercises your mind is concentrating to ensure the correct areas are being worked with maximum effect. In knowing what each exercise should feel like, your mind continuously teaches your body to work "smarter" not "harder". The result is an exercise program that works your body smoothly and efficiently.

Clinical Pilates is an excellent way to get fit, and caters for individuals with limited fitness right through to athletes.

"In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you will have a whole new body." Joseph H. Pilates

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