Pilates Core 

Pilates is a popular method of mind-body fitness that stretches, strengthens, and balances the entire body. This holistic form of exercise and postural therapy emphasizes the development of the deep abdominal and core muscles to control body movement and protect the spine. 

Specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns deliver rapid results.  Benefits include increased core and body strength, flexibility, improved coordination (both muscular and mental), and better balance posture, and joint health. Students achieve a heightened sense of body awareness and life balance.  

At Hamptons Hot Yoga, Pilates Core mat class is rooted in the classic tradition of Joseph Pilates.  We enhance the standard pilates mat sequence by incorporating resistance bands and balls to make a more varied and challenging workout.  The class is suited to students of all levels, from beginner to advanced.  Teachers provide modifications so that each student can work at their own pace and develop to their fullest potential.   

To learn more about the practice and history of Pilates, please refer to the following links: 

http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall04/Hodgkiss/history.html
http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall04/Hodgkiss/philosophy.html
www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article867.html
www.thepilatespractice.com/joseph_pilates.html
www.hermit.com/hermit/art/history.pdf 

More Pilates info: 

Pilates focuses on your core muscles - your "powerhouse" which includes your abdominal, lower back, buttocks and thigh muscles. This gives your body a natural strength along with unbelievable energy. 

Pilates fires up your body's fat burning furnace to keep your body lean and mean. It increases your metabolism so you burn more calories while actually increasing your energy levels. 

A natural side-effect of Pilates is it sharpens the mind as well as the body. With Pilates you must concentrate so it trains your mind as well as your body. You'll find yourself thinking more clearly even in high stress situations. 

Pilates keeps you flexible. Your muscles lengthen and become more supple so you can do things you never could before. Everyone knows someone who pulled a muscle simply by bending over. With Pilates - this is never a worry. 

Pilates reduces pain. Tight, overworked muscles are painful. As you gain strength and your muscles become more fluid, pain naturally becomes less, or non-existent. 

Pilates improves posture. You'll stand and sit straighter because you have more control over your body. You'll look taller and eliminate pain caused by bad posture.

Pilates increases confidence. As you look and feel better, as pain disappears from your body, as you stand taller, your confidence in yourself and your abilities increase. People will notice the difference in you. 

Pilates increases your energy by emphasizing quality rather than quantity. Done properly, you'll never be tired after a Pilates session. Rather, you'll be invigorated and ready to take on the world. 

Pilates refutes the 'pain is gain' nonsense. Pain is your body's way of telling you you're doing something wrong - not something good! With Pilates, your progress is measured by how good you feel - never by how much you ache. 

Pilates protects you from injury. Your muscles become lean, strong and supple which actually keeps you from getting hurt. 

Pilates rehabilitates weak and injured muscles. Dancers have known this for years. Pilates is essential for helping you come back from that debilitating injury. You'll actually become stronger than ever before.