The Pilates Method

Pilates is a complete system of exercises developed over eighty years ago by Joseph H. Pilates.  Pilates called his method of exercise “Contrology”.  Devotees of the method know that Joe’s words are true - “A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion.”  “You can say what Pilates is in three words - stretch, with strength and control - and the control part is the most important part.”  - quote from Romana Kryzanowska - a protégé of Joseph Pilates who has been teaching the method for nearly six decades. 

The Technique

The Pilates technique is based on a blend of eastern and western philosophies, and was influenced by the life experiences of Joe Pilates, including his study of anatomy books, watching animals move and how the mother taught the young, as well as techniques from the other influences in his life - yoga, gymnastics, boxing, skiing, diving, the Hamburg Germany military police.  Joe’s “Contrology” method was also influenced by his experience as a circus performer, Roman Gladiator and in an European internment camp during World War I.  Joe Pilates was not a dancer, but his first workout space in NYC was a boxing gym at 939 Eighth Ave, and it was in the same building as several dance studios and rehearsal spaces. It was this proximity that made "Controlology" such an intrinsic part of the life, rehab and training of many dancers: They were sent to Joe to be "fixed".  Exercise sessions with Joe were not meant to tire, but rather to invigorate. He would say at the end of the session, "One hour! Hit ze shower!" 

 

The Mechanics

The exercises are performed on specialized apparatus designed by Joe Pilates and on the Mat (floor).  The main pieces of apparatus (reformer and trapeze table or “Cadillac”) use springs for resistance, promoting development of long, lean, flexible muscles.  Joe conceived Contrology “to limber and stretch muscles and ligaments so that your body will be as supple as that of a cat”. The Pilates apparatus offers low impact support for your body until it is ready to be challenged further and on the the Mat (whichs offers little support).  Intermediate and Advanced Pilates exercises reduce the support offered by the apparatus and work on increased strength and flexibility.  Joe said that “You are only as old as your spine is flexible”.  Flexibility of the spine and strength of the abdominals are two key components of the Pilates workout.

Is Pilates Right For Me?

Our classes at Pilates at the Bungalow are total body conditioning for all bodies of all abilities.  Pilates exercises are accessible to everyone - young, old, sedentary, or athletic.  Gentle enough for pregnant women, sophisticated enough to challenge the athlete or performer, it is also superb for injury rehabilitation, and is often prescribed by doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists.  Many people use this exercise as a complete fitness program, as a complement to other activities, or as an education program to re-pattern the body to operate in a more efficient daily mode.  Re-patterning how you stand and sit in your everyday life can positively affect your spine and how you feel.

 

The Studio

Pilates at the Bungalow teaches much more than just the choreography of the Pilates exercises.  We want to make sure that you are properly aligned and using the right muscles to execute each exercise.  Proper breathing, alignment and muscle exertion are equally as important as good, clean choreography.   We design a program for each individual based on mutual assessment of your specific needs and goals.  Introductory sessions focus on developing the center of the body to support the spine.  Learning the work is process, rather than an event, and each person will work at his or her own pace. In the beginning, private one-to-one instruction ensures that progress is directed to each client, who eventually gains the independence to join a group class, if desired.  As skill and strength increase, more challenging exercises are added and the tempo of the work increases - always to challenge, never tax, the body.

 

The Goal

The goal is a strong and flexible body that is free from pain and is able to perform our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure AND  at the end of your daily work, has sufficient energy at night for recreation.

Ready to get started?   Contact us today!   And start sitting and standing straighter!