Pilates Liz Covolan Wanganui
I'm Liz!
Nice to have you here!
I graduated at the Pilates Institute UK six years a go and have taught Pilates in Lisbon, Brazil and now here in New Zealand.
I am situated at Light and Life Center, 72a Guyton Street, Wanganui,NZ
PILATES LIZ COVOLAN
Before you begin
Joseph Pilates taught that one of the main results of his method is gaining complete control of your body. He drew inspiration from the martial arts- slow, controlled, flowing movements performed with thoughtful awareness.
Here I list some principles of Pilates method:
-Concentration
-Alignment
-Breathing
-Centring
-Flowing Movements
Concentration:
Thoughtful awareness of your whole body while you are performing the movements is the key. In order to bring about change to the way you move, the body and mind need to work together. Pilates will help you to develop greater awareness and control, though concentration and focus on the detail and precision of the exercise performed. When you are aware of the movements within each exercise, this way of moving will ultimately become automatic, bringing about unconscious improvement to the way the body moves in everyday life.
Alignment:
Correct alignment at the start of and throughout the movement is absolutely essential. By correctly aligning the body and bringing the joints and soft tissue into their natural neutral zones, sound recruitment patterns are encouraged and the joins remain healthy. This precision of movement is the key to good Pilates practice.
Breathing:
Breath is the essence of life itself. It is a movement process in its own right and therefore has great bearing on the efficient of each movement performed. Synchronising the breath to movements is a key part of Pilates. Like any other movement in Pilates, we are looking for precision and efficiency. Breathing is not different; learning how to breathe more effectively within movement helps both the mind and body to relax, recharge and focus.
Centring:
This is referred to as “core stabilityâ€. Pilates focuses on maintaining support and control of the body as movement takes place. It does so by encouraging the recruitment of deep core muscles that help to control and stabilise movement. Staying centred involves using appropriate muscles to stabilise your core. All Pilates movements stem from a strong centre. The recruitment of the muscles involved in the centring process should be both dynamic and responsive, reflecting the demands of the movement being performed.
Flowing Movements:
Pilates movements are controlled, graceful and flowing, lengthening outwards from a strong centre. Efficiency and fluidity are pivotal to performing the exercises correctly. You will be taught how to articulate your spine through flexion, extension, side flexion and rotation, learning how to move the spine bone by bone. Similarly, you will be mobilising your joints, taking them through their normal ranges of movement. The end result is longer, leaner muscles that are stronger through their entire range.
- Bring a small towel and wear clothing that permits freedom of movements but that will also allow you to check your alignment.
Please do not exercise if:
- you feel unwell
- you have just eaten a heavy meal
- you have been drink alcohol
- you have been taking painkillers
The principles of Pilates should not be limited to your Pilates sessions, but should be integrated into your daily life.
I hope you enjoy Pilates experience!
My favourite quotes of Joseph Pilates:
“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.â€
“The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.â€
“A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well balanced mind, fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living.â€
“Patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavour.â€
Joseph H. Pilates