Marta Berry Pilates

EDUCATION
PILATES ON THE MAT

Pilates is a method of exercise developed by Joseph and Clara PILATES in the early 1930’s in the United States of America, called “CONTROLOGY.”
Although Joseph Pilates was born in Düsseldorf in 1880, he opened his first Pilates Studio in NEW YORK in 1926.
Over his long career Joseph Pilates developed over 600 exercises with the challenge that the whole body must be exercised to achieve good health.
It is essential for a Pilates Instructor to have scientific knowledge of body type, alignment of the joins, level of fitness, muscle balance and function, posture, etc…
Having experience in both practice and teaching Pilates, the Instructor will achieve success with excellent results and benefits of the practice.
The good alignment of the body provides less stress in the spine and more economical muscular activity.
The natural curves of the spine are important as they work as shock absorbers for the body. So when the body is aligned with gravity the body works with harmony and with nature laws. Pilates stresses the need of developing musculature to support the alignment and for the good function of the inner organs.
The Pilates method offers total health; it is a holistic approach to well–being and a lifelong process of refinement.
Joseph Pilates wrote: “Physical fitness is the first requirement to happiness.” I understand that this is quite an observation!
Although each and every human being has different capabilities, there is no doubt that the condition of the state of the body affects the mind and vice versa, not only in a physical plane but also in a attaining relaxation ,pleasure, and combating anxiety and depression . As thousands of dormant muscles cells are awakened, we also are affecting thousand of dormant brain cells. The body has the potential of stimulating the function of the mind. Despite physical size, complexity, age, race or ethnicity, there are three themes called the “three principles” that they always remain constant. This is the essence of the system itself.

1. COORDINATION – BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT
This is the driving goal of the method, as you integrate the exercise, the development of balance between body mind and spirit are established - the need of feeling the life force and balance - as a lifelong journey.

2. ACHIEVE NATURAL INNER RHYTHM ASSOCIATED WITH ALL SUBCONSCIOUS ACTIVITIES
As the practice become mastered, integrated Pilates becomes a part of the subconscious experience. This does not mean we do not put attention and concentration or awareness into the practice, it means that the movement pattern becomes imprinted in the muscle memory. Mastery doesn’t come easily, it is the reward of consistent training over a long period of time, even years. This requires discipline, commitment and endurance, patience and joy, but ultimately this is the path to health. Joseph Pilates said: “Return to health trough Contrology”. As the exercises become mastered, the subconscious reaction will reflect grace and balance in the daily routine of our lives.

3. APPLY THE NATURAL LAWS OF LIFE TO EVERYDAY LIVING
Many of the today’s ailments and conditions are the response of the lack of the connection between humans and nature. Sitting at the computer many hours a day, watching television, overeating - without control, (often unhealthy food), extended periods driving the car, talking on the cell phone, etc., the body starts forming muscles in stagnating, unhealthy forms.

Resolution

BECOME AWARE -ACHIEVE BALANCE - BREATH CORRECTLY - CONCENTRATE DEEPLY - CENTER YOURSELF- GAIN CONTROL - BECOME EFFICIENT - CREATE FLOW - BECOME PRECISE - SEEK HARMONY.

Benefits of the Pilates practice:

- Muscle activation
- Facilitates optimal function of the internal organs
- Improves balance and coordination
- Distributes body mass more aesthetically (LOOK AND FEEL SLIMMER)
- Promotes relaxation and releases tension
- Helps keep musculature and bone structure in optimal state
- Enhances body control

TRY PILATES ON THE MAT, USE EACH EXPERIENCE AS A STEPPING STONE.

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