Where did Pilates come from?
The Pilates Method was first developed by a German, Josef Pilates, in the 1920's in the United States. Joe himself was a frail child who grew up plagued by various illnesses such as rickets, rheumatic fever and asthma. Like many other pioneers in the physical therapies, these 'drawbacks' made him more determined to become fit and healthy. World War I broke out and he interned in England during its duration. Josef Pilates designed exercises to help immobilized patients recover from injuries sustained in the war.

What are the benefits of Pilates?
Practicing Pilates on a regular basis will provide: improvement in your flexibility, better body alignment, and a heightened mental alertness to your powerhouse area.

Is Pilates for everyone?
Yes. Anyone can do Pilates. Despite its complexity, or perhaps because of it, the Pilates exercise method offers ultimate programming versatility for a wide range of participants. There will be modifications made for those with weak knees, neck or lower back. Pilates concentrates on doing every move in perfect body alignment to help prevent injury.

Where do I sign up? Officepilates.com or in our studio.

Arco Center
200 Oceangate, Suite 545
Long Beach, CA 90802

(562) 491-0367

email: Officepilates@earthlink.net

Methods and Results:

• The whole body is conditioned, thereby maximizing results and creating a balanced body.
• Passive and active range of motion stretches are performed to increase flexibility and joint mobility.
• Varied resistance is applied to increase muscular strength and control.
• Neuromuscular patterns are trained to improve coordination and balance.
• Stabilization training ensures improved alignment and posture.
• Core training increases abdominal, back and trunk strength - core strength.
• Correct breathing is emphasized to reduce stress and improve the ability to complete movement with efficiency and maximum power.
• Body awareness (a sense of how the body feels in space) is increased.
• Repetitions are low, while concentration and intensity are high, providing quality and efficiency of movement.
• By performing exercises in a smooth and controlled fashion - efficient and injury free movement is developed.
• There are more than 500 Pilates exercises available for conditioning and rehabilitation to maximize results while avoiding boredom.
• All of the above elements aid in injury prevention.
• The above elements are also used in exercise rehabilitation programs to assist in reaching pre-injury conditions.
• In order to measure and track progress, thorough pre and post-assessment testing is administered.

General Benefits

Core Strength
Office Pilates tones and strengthens the abdominals, back and trunk. When the body changes muscle recruitment patterns and moves from these core muscles, tension in overworked areas is reduced and the body gains control, stability, strength and efficient movement. Office workers spend an average of 80% of the day sitting on their chairs working on their computers. Office Pilates helps bring awareness to "how to sit" by utilizing the transversal abdominus to support your upper body and integrating your ribs to form a stronger torso. Research has proven that people who develop the mid-section are less likely to have back problems. Office Pilates can also help to develop flexion and rotation of the spine. This helps workers throughout the day when they need to stand, twist or reach.

Mental Strength and Visualization
Office Pilates helps to strengthen the mind-body connection. By incorporating visualization, imagery and concentration techniques, Pilates is helpful in maintaining a positive mental attitude and may reduce psychological depression and restore confidence. Office workers who are able to visualize and focus will be more creative and productive on the job.

Flexibility, Joint Mobility and Joint Stability
Office Pilates increases flexibility by working the body in a full range of motion. It does not, however, sacrifice joint stability for flexibility. Flexibility in your motions develops flexibility in your life. Being too rigid can lead to stress and injury. Opening up and spreading your horizons welcomes change and acceptance.

Improved Balance and Coordination
Office Pilates emphasizes core strength and neutral posture, which occurs when the core is stabilized. A neutral stabilized body functions efficiently with complete balance and coordination. What you learn while doing Pilates is really a metaphor for life. Balancing work, family and free time becomes easier when one is confident and focused. Once you master Pilates you will feel invincible.


Injury Prevention
With the rise of workers' compensation claims in the past fifty years, Pilates helps to lower costs by preventing injuries through awareness. Healthwell in San Francisco Ca. uses Pilates in physical rehabilitation. They highly recommend Pilates for: the elderly to aid mobility of joints and maintain strength, for people who are returning to exercise after a long break, or those who have never exercised before who need to work gently and gradually build confidence, coordination and strength.