CORE Pilates, Richmond Virginia Pilates, Karen Roodman

About Pilates

"Remember, too, that Rome was not built in a day, and that patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor."
- Joseph Pilates

There have been many fads with exercise and movement, but Pilates has been around for a long time, and has only grown in popularity and recognition over recent years.

How Pilates was Developed

Pilates is named after its founder, Joseph Pilates (1880 - 1967), a German born boxer, circus performer, and gymnast and yoga student. He was a sickly child who later in life developed exercises that combined balance, strength and conditioning. His success became so recognized that he was hired as a trainer for prisoners of war in an English camp and successfully assisted in restoring their health and well-being. Upon immigrating to the United States, he attracted dancers to his work, and slowly unrolled his method of movement to many people who saw the value of core strengthening and conditioning.

Now, over 80 years later, this profound type of exercise is being practiced all over the world, and helping many people improve their fitness, quality of life, and appearance.

Pilates and You

The eight principles that are the foundation of Pilates include:

Control: developing body awareness and management
Breath: the initiation of all movement
Flowing Movement: the fluidity or grace of movement
Precision: paying close attention to body placement, breath and form
Centering: using the body’s core muscles to “center” or ground each movement. When using the deep abdominal muscles body centering is accomplished.
Stability: being able to not move a part of the body while there is another challenging force
Range of Motion: flexibility of joints, muscles and connective tissue in an optimal range
Opposition: working muscles with other muscles that perform the opposite movement

When using all principles in Pilates movements, one can expect to develop greater core strength (trunk muscles), become more flexible, develop lean muscles, improve posture, relieve back pain, prevent injury, move with greater ease, and enjoy the benefits of looking and feeling better!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pilates

Why is FORM so critical in Pilates?
Proper form in movement guarantees that our physical work will be executed properly. In Pilates, all movement involves the core muscles in some way (either through stabilization or mobility). If we are aligned properly and use correct form, we know that our muscles and connecting tissues are being used optimally. We can expect to develop greater strength, muscular balance and flexibility when we are positioned correctly. Form is our insurance that our movement outcomes will be successful.

Why is BREATHING so important in Pilates?
In Pilates, we initiate our movement with an inhale through the nose and an exhale through pursed lips. We direct the breath into the lower ribcage (termed as post lateral breathing). When we empty the air through exhalation, we engage the pelvic floor muscles and deep abdominal muscles which support the lumbar spine (lower back) like a girdle. Deep breathing also facilitates relaxation and concentration.

Why should I consider taking Pilates?
Pilates can help each and every person move with greater efficiency, strength and general ease. Since the spine is the powerhouse of our bodies, all of the core muscles that surround the torso/spine area are integral to our movement abilities. When one has strength, balance and flexibility in the core muscles, The movement patterns of legs and arms are more efficient and the body has greater musculoskeletal integrity.

Pilates Props

Click here to read about the different props we use in our mat classes and how they add diversity to the regular matwork. Pictures included!