Ando & Aston Physical Therapy

Ando Studio - alternatives for fitness

Ando & Aston
Physical Therapy

Pilates

Symptoms of the 2000's lifestyle — pilates lack of regular exercise, shallow breathing, decreased oxygen to the cells, job stress and unusual high levels of fatigue. Actually, over 70 years ago, Joseph H. Pilates began observing these same symptoms, and set out to create exercises to revitalize the body from the strain of hard work and worry. Pilates conditioning exercises have been under constant development since 1914, and since the 1980's have been propelled to the forefront as an effective alternative for fitness.

Pilates conditioning is recognized by celebrities, athletes, professional dancers and health care practitioners as a very effective way to strengthen, stretch and elongate muscles, while simultaneously increasing flexibility, endurance and concentration.

The Pilates conditioning method encompasses six principles coordinating body and mind:

Concentration	Control
Centering	Breathing
Flow	Precision

Movements are careful, patient, rhythmically and smoothly performed to enable the Pilates' inspired equipment to operate. At the Ando Studio, current biomechanical concepts are combined with Pilates' original teachings to deliver a supervised program of exercise that can improve fitness for people of all ages and body types.

Pilates conditioning uses variable resistance exercise and mostly non-weight bearing movement to produce long, lean, strong muscles that integrate with a balanced and flexible body. This form of conditioning differs from conventional conditioning programs in two ways:

1. the focus is on the placement of all body parts, not just the one being exercised; and,

2. the use of specially designed, spring-loaded apparatus, or equipment.

In Pilates conditioning, the emphasis is on the quality of movement, not the quantity. Five to ten excellent movements are more desirable than "50 reps" done incorrectly. You leave the hour-long session feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Pilates conditioning uses several forms of apparatus that require specific training to be used correctly and effectively. They are the Reformer, The Trap Table (or Cadillac), the Chair, the Barrel and of course the Mat. Each piece of equipment can be used at various levels. There are over 500 exercises in the Pilates method of conditioning.

You do not have to be a dancer, nor an athlete, to benefit from Pilates conditioning. This interactive approach combines both Eastern (breathing techniques and mental relaxation), and Western (strength and endurance) concepts, to deliver an effective approach to health and wellness. Pilates conditioning is done in private or small group, closely supervised settings. It is customary for your first session to be an orientation, or assessment session. This one-on-one session allows your certified instructor to assess your personal level of fitness and your objectives. From this assessment, your instructor can assist you in selecting the best Pilates conditioning program for you.