What is Pilates all about?
Pilates originally was referred to as “Body Contrology” in the 1920’s by German fitness pioneer, Joseph H. Pilates. It is a comprehensive method of mind/body conditioning.
The focus is on developing and maintaining strength, flexibility and core stability by utilizing all postural muscles. Each exercise requires control and focus to achieve a neuromuscular connection. Pilates work is specifically beneficial for correcting muscular imbalances as a result of either occupation or recreational activities. Some consider the work to be “preventative health care” because balancing the muscles both returns the body to proper anatomical functioning and helps prevent further injuries. Pilates is considered to result in improved bone density
"Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit. Contrology is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work"
Joseph Pilates
What are the possible benefits of Pilates?
How can it help such linear activities such as running and cycling, or rotational ones, like golf and tennis?
Pilates will ...
... improve muscle symmetry and balance
... increase strength and flexibility
... strengthen “core” muscles
... improve thoracic rotation and mobility for development of longer, leaner muscles
... improve posture
... improve general muscle tone
... increase endurance
... reduce stress
... improve focus, agility and movement
“Movement should be approached like life - with enthusiasm, joy and gratitude. For movement is life, and life is movement, and we get out of it what we put into it.”
Ron Fletcher
When I first met Ron in 1992 at a workshop in Denver, I immediately recognized him as the Real Deal. Here was a teacher - a man - who didn't "pretend" to anything or "pose" as anything; he didn't have to. His authenticity and innate gifts were evident in virtually everything he did. From the very beginning, I was rapt and my spirit was at attention - open to this new possibility as it had never been open to anything before.
In very short order it became clear to me that Ron both had and taught "IT." And for me, this "IT" factor is what continues to distinguish the Fletcher Work® from all other Pilates-based programs. Rooted firmly in the genius of Joseph Pilates' original method, Ron has applied his own unique vision and his genius for movement. In doing so, he has evolved the work to an entirely new threshold of possibility
Kyria Sabin
Program Director, Bodyworks Studio, Tucson, Arizona