Who was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph Pilates was a man ahead of his time -- a visionary whose exercise philosophy and system preceded the aerobic and fitness craze by 70 years. His study of Eastern and Western exercises including Yoga, Zen, and ancient Grecian and Roman regimens formed the foundation of his program, and like these established techniques his system continues to stand the test of time. While the fitness industry continues to change their programs to meet new Scientific criteria in the fields of sports medicine and kinesiology the Pilates Method not only meets, but surpasses the standards for technique, efficient muscle work and injury prevention. Unlike other fitness programs the more we learn about how the body works, the more applicable the Pilates Method becomes.

Why is the Pilates Method different from other exercise programs?

Each session begins with the alignment of the body and fully utilizes breathing patterns as part of the program to oxygenate the muscles while exercising. Each exercise incorporates more muscle groups to perform a single movement creating functional strength from the inside out.

What is Functional Strength?

Many traditional exercise programs separate muscle work into different body parts. But when we lift a box our muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints must function as a total unit to perform the movement. We are only as strong as our weakest link, so by connecting a movement pattern through the whole body, we strengthen our smaller muscles to support our larger muscle groups thereby creating a fluid development of muscle strength not derived from conventional exercise. Each movement requires concentration to focus the mind on the movements.

What is PowerPilates?

Joseph Pilates began to develop his unique method of physical and mental conditioning system in the early 1900's. He immigrated to New York from Germany in 1926 with his wife Clara. Their New York studio became popular with dancers and gymnasts, many of whom used the method to speed recovery from injuries.

In the 1940's, Ron Fletcher was a student and performer with Martha Graham. His dance injuries led him to the Pilates Studio where he spent three decades working with Joseph and Clara. He opened the first West Coast Pilates Studio in 1970. He continues to teach and evolve the work combing the Pilates Method with his dance training.

Using the classic Pilates Technique and The Ron Fletcher Work ?, Carroll Krieff designed The Silver Fox PowerPilates Program. The program incorporates traditional exercises by Joseph Pilates and innovative developments specifically for the 50 and over population. The movement patterns are designed to work the body as a whole to produce leaner, stronger and more efficient muscles.

What is PowerPilates Alignment?

One of the essentials of PowerPilates is body alignment. Stand with your feet together and imagine a triangle from under your big toe, across to your little toe, and back to the center of your heel. Evenly distribute your body weight into these triangles and use your feet as the foundation for your body. Bring your knees lightly together and straighten your legs without locking your knees.

The torso is the strength center of the body from which support for all movement is derived. In order to create a base of strength from deep within the abdomen, imagine you have a rod going through your body at your hip joint with bolts on both ends. Think of tightening these bolts as you tighten your muscles. Next, imagine you have a rod going through your body from your pubic bone to your tailbone with bolts on both ends. Tighten these bolts from front to back to prevent the rotation of the hips. You do not want to sway your back or tuck your hips. Elongate the space from your hips to your rib cage by contracting your abdominal muscles inward and upward. Lift your sternum and press your shoulder blades down and together. Pull your chin back bringing your head in line with your spine. This is PowerPilates alignment.

Why is the breathing technique so important?

he breathing technique provides fuel for the entire body by re-oxygenating the system. Each exercise has a breathing pattern with the inhalation bringing the air in through your nose and the exhalation expelling the air through your mouth. The breath should have sound and rhythm and should match each movement. Make each breath deep and audible.