Method

The Equilibrium Method

Equilibrium uses the latest evidence based research and applies Pilates and other fitness techniques to tailor a regime targeted at the needs of the individual client or class participants.

Equilibrium strongly believes in the Pilates technique as a training method that compliments other fitness programmes and rehabilitation tools. Equilibrium has modified the original 34 pilates matwork exercises to incorporate the recent research on lumbar instability, muscle imbalance and adverse neural tension whilst maintaining the original Joseph Pilates principles.

Pilates when taught correctly targets the deep stabilising muscles instead of focusing on your global muscles (the muscles you can touch and see) which are more commonly target in isolation in the fitness environment. Applying deep muscles to stabilise and assist global muscle training can add a new intensity to any strength work. In this way, you can obtain maximum benefit through exercise to fulfil your needs whether your choice is Pilates or other fitness based programmes.

Pilates Principles

Pilates is a mind and body conditioning exercise programme that aims to target the deep postural muscles of the abdomen and spine to improve overall central core stability and posture. Mind and body are brought together to achieve this aim by following eight sound principles:

1. Concentration. 'Always keep your mind wholly concentrated on the purpose of the exercises as you perform them' (Joseph Pilates). By focusing full benefit can be achieved.
2. Breathing. 'Breathing is the first act of life. Our life depends on it' (Joseph Pilates). For the blood to do its work properly, appropriate breathing is needed. Proper and effective breathing oxygenates the muscles as well as reduces tension.
3. Centering. 'Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit' (Joseph Pilates). The physical energy exerted from the centre should coordinate movements of the extremities. It is important to build a strong core or 'powerhouse' in order to rely on it in daily living.
4. Control. 'Good posture can be successfully acquired only when the entire mechanism of the body is under perfect control' (Joseph Pilates). Exertion of exercises through control will encourage proper form for safe and effective results.
5. Precision. 'The benefits of Pilates depend solely on you performing the exercises exactly according to the instructions' (Joseph Pilates). Every movement in the Pilates method has a purpose. Every instruction is considered vitally important to the success of the whole. The goal is for this precision to eventually become second nature, and carry over into everyday life as grace and economy of movement.
6. Movement. 'Designed to give you suppleness, grace and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, play and work' (Joseph Pilates). Pilates movements are slow, graceful and controlled. They are continuous flowing movements. Nothing is sharp, strained or forced.
7. Isolation. 'Each muscle may cooperatively and loyally aid in the uniform development of all our muscles' (Joseph Pilates). In theory, our muscles can work in isolation but in practice our muscles work together in groups. Focusing on one area develops one muscle at expense of another upsetting the whole body balance. This lopsided approach is at odds with the logic of the Pilates method.
8. Routine. 'Make up your mind that you will perform your Pilates movements 10 minutes (each day) without fail' (Joseph Pilates). Developing a routine will help you to get the most out of Pilates exercises discovering real results. There are no quick solutions but through routine Pilates will offer a gentle overhaul of your daily habits.