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What is Pilates

What is Pilates and what it can do for you?

This world-wide known fitness and rehabilitation method was founded by Joseph Pilates over 80 years ago. Joseph Pilates named his method “Controllogy”, which means coordination of the mind, body and spirit through the correct use of muscles and breathing, in order to control the body as a whole.

Once the best-kept secret of the dance community, Pilates has been discovered and embraced by singers, models, athletes and actors such as Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, Hugh Grant, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rod Stewart and many others...

The method consists of unique series of controlled movements, and as it combines principles from different methods like yoga, breathing techniques and martial arts, it helps to restore balance between body and mind.

Being performed either on the mat or by using special equipment, it helps to improve circulation, balance and concentration, increase strength and flexibility, strengthen the immune system and promote over-all sense of well being. In addition, the Pilates method is considered to be a valuable form of rehabilitation and being increasingly used by therapists in hospitals and clinics all over the world.

What makes the Pilates method so unique?

Joseph H. Pilates created more than 500 different exercises designed to develop the body uniformly. Whether performed on a mat or by using the special Pilates apparatus, these exercises promote balance and harmony of the body and are suitable for people of all ages. Most of the exercises are performed in a gravity-eliminating position, while emphasizing body symmetry and abdominal control.

“Every movement has a purpose” – rather than repeating each exercise many times, exercises are being repeated few times only, while using specific principles such as body-mind awareness, concentration and synchronized breathing. The emphasis is on precise yet flowing movements that require proper control and form. Recognizing the great power of breathing, each Pilates exercise has its own breathing pattern, which is used to release tension in the body and to assist in directing the energy to the right areas.

Unlike “traditional” forms of exercise, this method focuses on elongation of the muscles, keeping them in their natural form without creating any bulk. Also, it targets deeper muscle groups that are often neglected, concentrating on correct alignment of the body.

The Pilates experience

In Pilates, since the mind works together with the body to perform each movement correctly, you will experience a new feeling of body awareness, function and control. Not only that you will see and feel the difference in your body, but it will also help you to create a healthy self-image through the attainment of a better posture, increased flexibility and improved coordination. Here you will find a gentle and practical way to change your body and to improve your posture and alignment through natural evolution, rather than methods which force the body to perform faulty movements and promote injuries.

Imagine an exercise program that you really enjoy and look forward to. Imagine an exercise program that tones and strengthen your muscles, with fast results. Imagine an exercise program that really helps you to prevent injuries or to recover from them. Imagine a program that leaves you feeling refreshed, alert and energized, both physically and mentally.

Pilates helps to:

  • Improve respiration and body-mind awareness
  • Enhance coordination and muscle strength
  • Increase range of motion in the joints
  • Improve posture and alignment
  • Develop mobility, agility and balance
  • Tone and build long, lean muscles without bulk
  • Develop a long flexible spine
  • Challenge deep abdominal muscles to support the core
  • Build stamina and concentration
  • Strengthen your immune system and improve circulation
  • Relieve pain, tension and stress and boost your energy level
  • Recover from an injury and prevent a new one
  • Promote an over-all sense of well being and a pain-free body

Testimonials

  • What I love about Pilates is the gentle approach to the exercise programme whilst nevertheless working all your muscles in depth and very efficiently. You can really feel your whole body working and strengthening by the minute.| Ingrid Seidel. |
  • Pilates is addictive!! As a very unfit and exhausted mother of two small children finding time for exercise had been very difficult. When I started Pilates classes I quickly learnt to really enjoy the physical and mental benefits of this amazing program. Pilates challenges my body to become stronger and more flexible and my mind to become more focused and positive.| Danika Rehfisch. |
  • After hearing the story of Pilates from friends in North America, I searched Bangkok for a Pilates instructor for several months. I couldn't have found a better, more focused teacher than Or-Yah. Starting from nothing, she taught me the basics and gave me the confidence I needed to continue on. I noticed improvements in my strength, flexibility and posture after only a few classes. Or-Yah is a great instructor and amazing mentor for anyone interested in improving their physical fitness. Bangkok is very fortunate to have someone so dedicated to teaching the Pilates method.| Scott Miller. |
  • After delivering my second baby I was anxious to quickly get back into shape. I had not exercised throughout my pregnancy due to complications. So when my son was two months old I found Or-Yah and began post-natal yoga sessions. When I felt strong enough we progressed to Pilates. Before pregnancy I had taken other forms of Pilates. I was familiar with some of the poses, but felt challenged by pure Pilates. I quickly learned Or-Yah was an expert at pure Pilates. Not only was she an extremely qualified instructor she was more importantly very supportive. With the eyes of a hawk she watches to ensure your body is in the proper alignment for each pose. There is no chance to be idle; she makes good use of your time. She is always ready to demonstrate each pose and provide detailed explanations. The change in my body was immediate; the focus of her teachings is strengthening your core. Your back and abdominal muscles after pregnancy are taxed and she really helps to work this area. Everyone I know wants to know my secret to getting back in shape. No fad diets or treatments, no surprises just Or-Yah. Constantly motivating she gave me an inner sense to continue attuning my body with my life. I feel more focused and strengthened for the physical and mental rigors of motherhood.Or-Yah really makes an impact on her students by connecting with them.| Kim Buhrman. |
  • Or-yah is a very dedicated instructor who takes her job very seriously. I have had many experiences with private instructors and I can easily say that she has proven herself to be the best. Since injuring my leg I am doing Pilates lessons with Or-yah and the improvement has been tremendous. Or-yah is always encouraging, and alert to anything that is not performed properly. When certain exercises cannot be preformed due to an injury or other factors she immediately finds an alternative. Working with the Pilates equipment has been am amazing experience for me. I have been taking Pilates and Yoga classes with Or-yah for over 2 years, she has guided me through a pregnancy and now through my injury. It is always a pleasure to come to Or-yah for instruction and am always left with a feeling of satisfaction.| Eilat Shoshani. |
  • Pilates is the only exercise program that I have ever done which I actually look forward to and miss when I can't make it to a session - in fact the only problem with Pilates is that it is totally addictive. After three months of fairly regular Pilates sessions, I feel stronger and more flexible, exercises that seemed impossible when I started are suddenly do-able: although Or-Yah never lets us get complacent as there is always a way to make an exercise just that little bit more challenging. As teacher, Or-Yah manages to combine the discipline of a drill sergeant with a sensitive awareness of what the student can manage. You don't get away with much but you thank her for it afterwards.| Sharon Thwaites. |
  • “After studying Pilates, my back id much stronger, I have become more flexible and my posture has improved. I really enjoy learning Pilates with Or-yah who is very experienced and knowledgeable and makes you see that nothing is impossible (except trying to do Pilates laughing!). | Lucienne Hughes. |