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No doubt you’ve heard of Pilates. It is everywhere; gyms, infomercials, videos and now accessories are even sold in grocery stores. However,  there is much more to this method of physical and mental conditioning than any of the above really begin to touch on. To fully understand how you can benefit from Pilates, there are a few things you should know.

Let us start first with what Pilates isn’t. It isn’t a miracle weight loss program, nor can it alone transform your body into that of a professional dancer or athlete. Many of the infomercials and print ads for Pilates want you to believe that the true value of a Pilates program is that of a weight loss tool. While weight loss usually does occur when participating in a Pilates program, losing that weight is generally attributed to other changes that you make to improve your total well-being; most notably a change in your diet and lifestyle.

However, a regular Pilates program can be very beneficial and can bring about some profound changes in the way you look and feel. Being involved in a Pilates program can change the way you think- about your body, about exercise, and ultimately about your total well-being. We bring the weight loss issue to your attention because if you are interested in practicing Pilates strictly as a fitness-for-weight-loss program, you will be disappointed. Please visit our Pilates Benefits page for more on many of the 'real' substantial benefits a Pilates program can bring to you.

Beginning with "What is Pilates", use the links just under the banner at the top of this page to visit the rest of our Pilates section where you will find additional important information and benefits of a Pilates program at Symmetrical Energy Arts.

Symmetrical Energy Arts is a fully equipped studio offering Individual Sessions or “Privates” on the Pilates Apparatus as well as a full schedule of Mat Classes.

Thoughts and Ideas:

Proprioception is a term often used in Pilates which simply means: the ability to control one’s body parts and what they are doing. Proprioception allows us to unconsciously monitor the positioning of our body through receptors in the muscles, tendons and joints. An example of this is breathing, an unconscious activity we all engage in. Through Pilates, a proprioceptive exercise technique, you may develop an unconscious control over your posture and movements. This is the result of persistence and mindfulness while practicing the method. Re-programming the body’s movement patterns is not easy, but can dramatically change and improve your physicality while promoting health through the balance of body-mind conditioning.