How Pilates Works

Pilates is a total body conditioning system that integrates the mind and body to improve precision in muscle control, strength and flexibility.  Pilates achieves quality of movement and function by creating body awareness, coordination and endurance.

The exercises focus on developing the strength of the torso (area from the pelvic girdle to the shoulder girdle) through alignment and appropriate use of the spinal muscles.  These muscles are important because they act as stabilizers and create a vital support for the spine.  Performed slowly, with an awareness of the body in movement, the exercises control the body and focus the mind.

Breathing, correct initiation of muscle action and postural support are emphasized in every sequence, so the principles may also be applied while carrying out everyday activities. 

Pilates develops proximal stability; or control of the torso without putting stress on the spine, so that all movements are controlled against a stable background.  In addition, it can correct any muscle imbalances caused by injury and postural problems by aligning the body correctly and balancing the muscular and external forces acting on the joints and musculoskeletal structures.

If specific movement patterns are repeated regularly it can result in over activity of some muscle groups and under activity of others – for example, endurance-type muscles in runners, cyclists, etc.  This can also happen with recreational activities or in the work environment.  For example, a person who lifts regularly using the muscles in the arms and shoulders without engaging the powerful torso muscles will develop a weakness of the stabilizers – essentially the back and abdominal muscles – as well as weakness and tension in the arm and shoulder muscles.  This will eventually cause injury to and degeneration of the unsupported spine (disc problems, SI weakness and low-back pain).

The rest of the body may then compensate for this weakness, which can lead to further injury to other parts of the body.  Continued misuse of the musculoskeletal system can spiral into a complicated cycle, but it is preventable and reversible in all but the most extreme cases.

Pilates can form the integral part of rehabilitation from overuse or misuse of the body, reducing the chance of imbalances recurring after recovery.  It develops muscles through their full range of motion in various movement patterns, and results in lengthened, flexible muscles with greater strength.