Presenting Pilates

Our take on exercises, method and lifestyle...

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The MB Pilates Team.

Pilates to me...

By: Melanie Berios

It is something I felt from my first few lessons and I continue to feel and enjoy as I practice and teach it. There is much to be said here, and for you to understand from a few paragraphs, something that you must experience, would be too much to ask. I will make an attempt to briefly introduce Pilates or Contrology as its founder intended to call it originally. Pilates for me, is a gift that teaches you, through a series of exercises, to recognize the muscles you should utilize for specific movements. By using the proper weight distribution, identifying range of motion and moving from a strong foundation, a grouping of muscles can be supportive, adding grace and balance to our routine activities.

It is the Art of Contrology that allows you to embody any movement from your center (or Powerhouse, the section of your body where all movement originates from and a very important concept in Pilates), giving you true control and accuracy without sacrifice. Muscles not giving adequate support through movements create compromise. Moving from an unstable foundation leads to imbalances, over and under developed muscles and muscle groups. The effect is overloading the joints, stressing soft tissue which eventually leads to injury.

True Pilates is focused on strengthening intrinsic (small supporting) muscles. It is a structure of exercises comprehensively given by a certified instructor utilizing the principles passed down; concentration, control, centering, precision, breath and flow. You will be made aware of proper alignment and motion through the execution of each exercise. As you progress the exercises will evolve with you, always providing a challenge. The muscles most difficult to train are the ones that haven't been doing their job. By dedicating yourself you will find that Pilates (the practice), will call your attention to the point of subconscious reaction, correcting yourself long after your lesson. This awareness allows an economy of motion. The goal is perfect unity of all muscles needed to accomplish the task at hand. Mind to body, defined.

The idea of strengthening the Powerhouse or Core, takes on yet another important role, proper support of the internal organs under any condition/circumstance static or during movement. Increasing circulation in this area, coupled with a nutritious diet, will restore and maintain youthful vitality in every way. It is through this undoubted stability that we can truly understand the Art of Contrology.

To me, Pilates is an opportunity to receive the teachings, that through dedication and persistence, will enable me to reach my true potential and take control of my physical and mental being. It is the most amazing thing I've ever felt and I will remain a loyal student. I believe in the quality of the art and that is what I will bring to you. I will leave you with a simple quote from another believer:

"It is the mind itself that controls the body."