What is Pilates?  Originally designed to rehabilitate injured soldiers, Pilates increases muscle strength and endurance, improves posture, balance and flexibility, with intense focus on the abdominals or “core.” The Pilates method can provide a vigorous work out that challenges the skilled athlete or a gentle strength training for an individual in rehab.  Pilates conditions the whole body, and no muscle group is over trained or under trained. When musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, daily activities and sports are enjoyed with greater ease, performance is improved and the chance of injury lessened. As a result, many professional sports teams, elite athletes and celebrities incorporate Pilates as an integral part of their training.

Pilates exercises generally flow from five essentials: breathing, cervical alignment, rib and scapular stabilization, pelvic mobility and utilization of abdominals.  Pilates is easily performed on a mat or specialized equipment (such as a Reformer). Body weight is the main resistance utilized in Pilates mat exercises. There is much published research involving Pilates and the treatment of low back pain (“LBP”).  The Pilates method utilizes accepted rehabilitation methods having scientific support for the treatment of LBP, including core strengthening.  Pilates also falls within the exercise guidelines set forth by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American College of Sports Medicine.