Pilates has been the best kept secret of professional dancers, top athletes, and Hollywood celebrities for decades. Introduced to the United States in 1926 by Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates method is a movement based fitness system that works the entire body with emphasis on the core (the musculature that supports the spine). Because the method looks at the body as a whole unit, it helps to improve posture, breathing, and releases unnecessary tension. Pilates uses the body’s own leverages to create resistance. Through the performance of a series of controlled and precise exercises on the mat, muscles are stretched and strengthened simultaneously. This type of muscle action develops stability of the skeleton and creates the long lean superficial musculature associated with dancers and students of Pilates. In a private or semi-private session, the resistance is enhanced by working on the uniquely designed Pilates apparatus. In these sessions, the instructor is able to tailor the workout to address the individual’s needs and therefore achieve faster results.

Pilates can help almost EVERYONE in their pursuit of healthy living. Because many exercises are performed in a reclining or sitting position, they are low to non impact and extremely gentle to joints. The instructors of Pilates of Cool Springs have the following ambitions for their clients:

Pursue pain free existence.

Improve posture and mobility.

Prevent injuries.

Release tension and stress.

Heighten mind-body awareness.

Reeducate neuromuscular patterns of movement in order to apply the Pilates concepts to everyday life activity.

 As a result of these pursuits, your body will change!

Flatter abdominals, a stronger and more mobile back, slender thighs, and well defined shoulders are the typical testimonials of committed Pilates clients. Because we are often doing a complete overhaul on the way in which you have used your body up to now, it is impossible to give a specific time period for you to physically see the results. However, you should feel the results immediately or within your first few lessons.

• If you are struggling with an injury, lower back problem, or other medical issue, please make sure you have a proper diagnosis and have consulted with your medical professional before starting a Pilates program. If your back problem stems from a muscular weakness in the core, Pilates can certainly address that.