Pilates is a method of exercise and controlled movement designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body. Joseph H. Pilates, a German-born athlete, developed his concepts in the early 1900’s after 20 years of self-study and apprenticeship in yoga, gymnastics, and Roman and Greek conditioning/fitness programs. His innovative approach combines Eastern and Western philosophies of mental and physical harmony.
Pilates is based on six main principles:
Concentration: connecting the body and the mind
Centering: initiating exercises with contraction of the deep abdominal muscles
Control: being in control of every aspect of each movement
Precision: striving to produce exact movements every time
Fluidity: smooth, flowing movements
Breathing: breathing fully and efficiently
Pilates Instructors
How can Pilates help?
Pilates is effective for people recovering from surgery or injury, and for anyone interested in attaining a high level of strength, balance, clarity and ease of motion.
When practiced faithfully, Pilates yields numerous benefits. The focused breathing alone helps increase lung capacity and improve circulation. You will naturally develop a deeper appreciation for the way your body was designed to move. You will be stronger, with better balance and posture. As posture improves, so does confidence.
How is Pilates different at CGPT?
The Hood River Pilates Studio is located in the Columbia Gorge Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine clinic. The studio’s highly skilled certified Pilates instructors are trained in both fitness and rehabilitative Pilates. Both private sessions and classes are available through the studio.
For physical therapy patients, we use a team approach to treatment with Pilates-based exercises. For example, if a patient is receiving physical therapy treatment sessions from our clinic, he or she can often benefit by doing Pilates concurrently to speed the healing process. After physical therapy is no longer needed, continued Pilates can help patients maintain their goals.
