Every Day Life

Quite often in our daily routine, we wish we had more energy instead of feeling "drained" at the end of the day. We wish we had more mental and physical stamina to cope with all our daily tasks or even offer ourselves some more excitement without wearing ourselves off completely. Why do we move and act in a particular way? Why do we have the same pains and health troubles as our parents? Up to a certain degree the answer to all the above lies on our daily lifestyle, on the hectic rhythm, our dietary habits, smoking etc. This lifestyle can under pressure often lead to a mental and physical "breakdown", which has the form of chronic pains, allergies, injuries, psychological stress. And while we are trying to find ways to get away from it all, we realize that we will have to face it all again. Is there any way to deal with our daily pressures? How can we control our body so that it supports our daily routine?

Body posture

The biological singularity-heredity of each individual is the one that offers the experience and understanding we have over our body and by extension ourself. The stimuli we got from our environment when young, become reference points to our lives as we grow up. That is how we shape our understanding on our qualifications and abilities according to what we have been told than we are able or not to do. We develop ways of behaving or living similar to our parents or close ones. We get in the habit of doing things in a particular way, following certain principles. The beliefs we acquire according to our experience transform to behavioral patterns expressed also in a physical level. We walk in a certain way, move and feed in a certain way, go to certain places. These habits of ours together with the sluggishness imposed by the modern way of life results in a limited use of our body. This means that in our daily activities we tend to use certain muscular groups more than others and as a result we overload some while others sub-function and we can not realize their existence.

Therefore because of a particular posture and behavior we adopt, we unconsciously worsen the unequal distribution of strength and energy.

The importance of mind

The relation between mind and body is the basic principle of the Pilates of Body Conditioning Method.

The emphasis of this method lies on “doing” and “being”, on the realization of what is happening the minute that is happening. The basic principles of the Method are: Concentration, Control, Centering/Stabilization, Precision, Flow or Efficiency of Movement, Breath. The implementation of these basic principles along with the quality- and not quantity - in performing the exercises is the basis for better results. Concentration is one of the fundamental principles of the Method, helping us acquire a wider perception of our body and better muscular control, while at the same time it’s the first step towards a better body posture.

The body is dealt as unique dynamic and an inseparable wholeness which should exercise through the discipline and control of the mind. The source of strength and energy lies in the centre (abdomen-lower back) of this wholeness, the powerhouse, as Pilates himself called it. Every movement springs from there and is transmitted free to the limbs. The appropriate breathing coordinated with movement results in a better use of the muscular system while the mind is actively taking part in every exercise, experiencing so much the total as well as the individual action on the body. Everything is about incarnated images and not just mechanical automatic movements.

Precision and Harmony

Spiritual and physical harmony is the successful combination of this workout. Precision and coordination in performing create an internal balance which is quickly absorbed by our everyday lifestyle. The easiness and economy in moving, the flow and the correct distribution of energy create feelings of well-being. The trainee acquires bigger resistance to tiredness which helps him deal with the daily stress easier. As time goes by he realises that he can walk and move with greater comfort and grace. The muscles get strengthened and tightened without becoming bulgy, they become more flexible. These results become obvious gradually and they never seize to remain real.

The Application

The Classical Pilates Method is a complete system of physical training, which is applied with the use of special equipment designed by its creator himself. The Universal Reformer, the Cadillac, the Pedi Pull, the High Chair are some of these.For a correct and safe use of this equipment, personal supervision of the person who is exercising is necessary, while the exercises are chosen according to the needs and peculiarities of each one. For this reason the sessions are private or in small groups of two or three people depending on the level, in a pleasant and effective program.

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