About Pilates

by Len Palombi  (our contest winner!!  Thanks Len for your  beautiful rendition of "About Pilates" to share with all)

 
When I’m asked what Pilates is, I instinctively want to rattle off the text book definition and say that it is a form of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s, that emphasizes balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility and awareness, to support efficient, graceful movement.  But Pilates is so much more than that.
 
Pilates is taking a deep breath and feeling your body filled with energy, moving fluidly without stiffness or pain.  It is standing tall and in alignment, unburdened by gravity.  Pilates is control, as your body performs to your mind’s wishes.  It is a state of health and well-being.  Pilates is exercise for life!
 
Joseph Pilates was a frail child.  He had asthma and other ailments.  He became determined to overcome his limitations through physical fitness.  He studied everything he could find, including ancient Roman training regimens.  Over time he became the model of physical fitness.  Interred during World War I in a prisoner of war camp, he began to develop his method of exercise working with other inmates to keep them fit and healthy.  After the war, he immigrated to America where he opened a studio and began teaching his method to anyone he could.  He quickly gained a reputation as someone who could “fix” people.  Today, his method is practiced by over 11 million people worldwide and for good reason.
 
Pilates contributes to health and well-being by making your joints and muscles more pliable, oxygenating your blood, increasing mobility and bone density, and decreasing stress and tension.  But even more important is the transformational wonder of Pilates.
 
Feel what it’s like to unravel years of accumulated muscle tension.  Experience how simple movement be the catalyst for a new way of living.  Relaxed shoulders allow your ribs and lungs to open up to each exhilarating breath resulting in increased energy, a taller spine, freer posture, and improved confidence.
 
When your mind, body and spirit connect, fluorescent light emanates from within, lighting up every area of your body showing you places you didn’t know existed.  Movement gently leads you to release the gripping tension so your body can experience new space.  Enjoy the wonder of being in the moment, where a pause, a silence, is the time of consolidation and beauty.
 
Connecting with your breath can open up a new way of living; where your body and breath move as one, without tension or stress.
 
This is your time to live with an open heart, to walk tall with confidence.  Life is precious.  Each breath can guide you to a new place, a place where you’re gently led to a connection of mind, body and spirit. 
 
Life is about making a difference.  Your body yearns to move with freedom, the inner warmth of energy that makes your heart smile.  Less aches and pains, more wonder and excitement.  Goodbye tiredness and depression, hello vitality and happiness.
 
Pilates is the challenge of mastering a new way of moving, opening up your body and allowing new energy to circulate.
 
Do Pilates – Be Transformed!

Len Palombi
www.pilatesforboomers.com