Pilates, pioneered by the late German athlete, Joseph Pilates is a mind-body exercise system to strengthen the weak and challenge the strong. Pilates (1880-1967) first made his mark in England during WWI (World War 1) when he developed a series of exercises and innovative equipment to help prisoners of war regain strength and mobility. When Joseph Pilates immigrated to New York, he worked with professional dancers, gymnasts and elite athletes who discovered his conditioning techniques could help prevent injury and improve strength while maintaining long, even muscle tone.
What is STOTT PILATES®?
STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent more than two decades refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programmes. It’s used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.
Pilates helps develop strength, flexibility, endurance and posture, without building bulk or stressing your joints. The perfect complement to cardiovascular exercise, athletic training or rehabilitation, STOTT PILATES exercises will leave you looking toned, feeling revitalised and moving with ease.
Performed on a mat or on specially designed equipment, STOTT PILATES is a fitness programme for a lifetime.
10 reasons to make STOTT PILATES part of your life!
1. Improves posture 2. Improves balance, co-ordination and circulation 3. Increases core strength and stability 4. Re-balances muscles around the joints 5. Balances strength with flexibility (for injury prevention and more efficient movement) 6. Helps relieve tension, aches and pains 7. Improves performance in sports (golf, skiing, racquet and team sports, dance etc…) 8. No-impact – easy on the joints 9. Complements massage, physiotherapy and other therapies 10. Boosts self-esteem
The 5 Basic Principles
The STOTT PILATES basic principles form the basis of the Pilates exercises. The five principles work together and help you become aware of how the body functions. Understanding these principles will help realign the spine to improve posture during the exercises and also in everyday life.
1. Breathing 2. Pelvic placement 3. Rib cage placement 4. Scapular movement & shoulder stabilisation. 5. Head and cervical placement
