Why Pilates?
"The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power."
-Joseph Pilates[1]
The Reformer, a single apparatus out of the inexhaustible Pilates arsenal has been capturing everyone’s imagination. But why, beyond this curious piece of fitness equipment, in a sea of wellness practices all claiming to offer the most benefits, would you choose Pilates?
For most people exercise is something they have to do. Exercise offers tighter abs, a perkier butt, relief from an ache or pain, or better sleep. In the current fitness culture the big buzz word is “longevity” and Pilates is like a 401K plan for your body. How is that so? What makes it so magical? We have a healthy amount of octogenarians at BodyTonic, many who have been training with us since we opened in 1999. We train their children now, too. We have seen first hand that authentic Pilates is like the fountain of youth.
Thirty years ago you did Pilates to strengthen your “core” even though no one could clearly define what that was. You did it because its low impact was healthy for your joints. Then came the goal of “mind/body connection”, “mindfulness”, “healing low back pain” all true and valuable reasons for the practice. But one quality has been a constant. It transcends the buzzwords and will continue to put Pilates in the pantheon of exercise modalities.
Our anecdotal evidence of what makes Pilates so incentivizing, motivating and transformative is this: In a true Pilates practice, your teacher is focused on your development. This personal development happens holistically over time–not just your physical condition but your mental and emotional health as well. From your very first experience with the Pilates apparatus and the unique movements of the method, muscles, reflexes, and synapses that have been dormant are activated. Thinking and moving, listening and learning, brings you to your body in a way that everyday life does not allow. It is through your presence and focus, investing in yourself from movement to movement, that your mind, body and spirit progress and evolve. Your progress is organic and sustainable, promoting longevity. Pilates allows for longevity.
This magic is only on offer when you practice Pilates with intention, focus, and systematic progression. Working within the highly adaptable system of Pilates found in Classical Pilates and Traditional Pilates holds secrets that distractions like loud music, large groups, and unnecessary props will inevitably erase. Although those added elements can be seductive, an overstimulating environment is key to determining many benefits of Pilates have already been lost. At BodyTonic, we prioritize your sensory experience utilizing the equipment and methodology to bring your nervous system into balance.
The Pilates method offers a healthy balance of repetition and novelty. The balance of familiar and new, moving with rhythm and flow, wakes something up from deep inside you. You settle in. The combination of grounding and uplift melts away layers of restlessness, mental strain and muscle tension. You become taller and toned. You feel stronger, more limber and more graceful. You inhabit your body with full presence. Tennis, sight-seeing on vacation, or even sex becomes more enjoyable and easier. You choose Pilates because you like how you feel on the Reformer, Spine Corrector, Wunda Chair and Ladder Barrel. You come because you might love going upside down. You continue because your last session left you eager to return for the rest of your life.