The Origins of Pilates
The Pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed over 90 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates. It strengthens and tones muscles, improves posture, provides flexibility and balance, unites body and mind, and creates a more streamlined shape.
How Pilates Works
Pilates works from the inside out. It strengthens and lengthens the muscles commonly known as stabilizers, which support the skeleton and help prevent us from falling over while moving. These muscles require endurance as they work hard for long periods. In contrast, mobilizing muscles, which create larger movements, lie closer to the surface but fatigue quickly. When both muscle types function efficiently, the body achieves balance. If your framework is upright, you will appear upright.
The Powerhouse: Core Strength and Stability
The single most important section of the body in Pilates is the area between the bottom of the rib cage and the hips, known as the Powerhouse. Virtually all exercises engage the Powerhouse, leading to a flatter belly and a stronger, evenly developed lower back. A strong Powerhouse forms the foundation for all movement, with energy radiating from the body’s center outward to the hands and feet. However, building a strong core without effectively transferring this energy to the limbs is ineffective.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates is a transformative practice that strengthens the body, enhances flexibility, and promotes overall well-being, from refining posture to boosting athletic performance.
- Improve Body Awareness
- Prevent & Reduce Low Back & Neck Pain
- Correct Muscle Imbalances
- Improve Flexibility, Mobility & Balance
- Improve Posture & Core Stability
- Increase Strength & Endurance
- Improve Bone Density
- Reduce Osteoporosis Risk
- Increase Joint Stability & Control
- Improve Sport Performance
- Enhance Mind-Body Connection
- Support Injury Recovery & Rehabilitation
Joseph Pilates: The Man Behind the Method
Joseph Pilates, born in 1880, was a sickly child who suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. Determined to improve his physical strength, he dedicated his life to studying and mastering bodybuilding, diving, skiing, and gymnastics. His method was the product of his lifelong observation of the human body and its natural functioning.
In the late 1920s, Pilates left Germany under pressure to train the new German Army and established his method in New York. Along with his wife, Clara, he opened a gym in the same building as the New York City Ballet. Though initially popular among dancers, his studio soon attracted a diverse clientele, including influential figures like Sir Laurence Olivier, Yehudi Menuhin, and Katherine Hepburn. Pilates taught at his studio until the late 1960s, maintaining excellent health throughout his life. At seventy-six, he was still seen jogging through Manhattan in his swimming costume! He passed away in 1967.
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Shelbourne Physiotherapy, Pilates & Massage is a locally owned health company with locations in beautiful Victoria & Saanich, British Columbia. Our clinics offer Physiotherapy, IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) & Dry Needling, Kinesiology, Athletic Therapy, Exercise Rehabilitation, Massage Therapy, Sports Rehabilitation, Pelvic Floor Pilates Classes and Research, Post-Operative Rehabilitation, Vestibular, Dizziness & Balance Rehabilitation, Women’s health (peri-partum and incontinence), Acupuncture, Hydrotherapy, Scoliosis Treatment, Clinical Osteofit Classes, Osteoporosis Treatment, Aquatherapy, Pool Therapy, Real Time Ultrasound, Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Treatment, Electrical Modalities, Pelvic Floor Physio, Pelvic Pain Physiotherapy, Incontinence Treatment, Thoracic Ring Approach Physiotherapy Treatment, Sports Physiotherapy, Chronic Pain Treatment, Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), Aquatic Therapy, Yoga, Yogalates, Saanich Physiotherapy, Polestar Pilates, Stott Pilates, Clinical Pilates, Scoliosis Treatment, Kinetic Link Training KLT and Custom Knee Bracing
Our clinics are approved providers for WorksafeBC (WCB) Physiotherapy and ICBC Physiotherapy, Kinesiology & Rehabilitation. We are proud members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy(CAMPT), Sport Physiotherapy Canada, SportmedBC, British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK), Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), Vestibular Disorders Association, ISST International Schroth 3D Scoliosis Therapy, International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST), Think Local Victoria, Canadian Federation of Independent Business(CFIB), the Orthopaedic Division of the CPA and the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia (PABC) We have a clinic located in Saanich.
Shelbourne Physiotherapy staff provide clinical instruction at our Victoria Clinic for students in the UBC Faculty of Medicine. We are an accredited facility for UBC Dept. of Physical Therapy Student Practicums.
Our Saanich & Victoria Physiotherapy clinics are modern and provide a relaxed healing atmosphere with private rooms available. Many Physiotherapy clinics in Victoria work out of a single room or a basement that does not offer the equipment, resources or space to help you recover properly. Our convenient locations make our clinics easy to access from all the neighbourhoods of Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt and Oak Bay such as Dockside Green, Fairfield, James Bay, Oaklands, Fernwood, Harris Green, Jubilee, Hillside Quadra, Rockland, Uplands, Downtown Victoria, Cordova Bay, Arbutus, Camosun College Lansdowne Campus and the Songhees. We offer appointment times ranging from 7:00AM to 7:00PM for your convenience. Our Multidisciplinary Health Clinic is located right across the street from the Hillside Shopping Centre. we share a building with the Shelbourne Medical Centre which has a walk in clinic and many great General Practitioners.
We are a friendly, local Victoria & Saanich owned and community based health company designed to meet your individual needs. Our mission is to provide Physiotherapy and related services to the communities of Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Victoria West and Esquimalt and help keep these residents active and healthy. We strive to creatively and professionally maximize client functioning and promote life-long wellness.
Our experienced and dedicated evidence based Health Care Professionals include Victoria & Saanich Physiotherapists Penny Salmas, Jennifer Kolot, Mark Gottfried, Christine Carrat, Nicole Gill, Mohsen Mirzaie, Robyn Elliot, Holly Mallari, Elyse Nieuwold, Meena Sran, Phil Lawrence, Jessica Shave, Cody McEvay, Kathy Murdoch, Ruan Le Roux, Nina Bai, Kira Crover, Hilary Beck, Ignacio Parodi and Blair Braz. Our experienced Victoria BC Kinesiologists include Kira Crover, Heidi Nottelman, Our experienced Victoria & Saanich BC Registered Massage Therapists include Taryn Krizan, Selena Curvelo, Jennifer Koebernick, Kathy Pantalon, T’airah Bowker RMT, Molly Scott, Jessica Bundy RMT, Laura Jones and Rebekah Neubert. Our Victoria Athletic Therapists are Tegan Johnson and Cheryl Mah. Our Certified Victoria Pilates and Yoga Instructors include Chantelle Shah-Poulin, Lisa Hostman, Danielle O’Reilly, Stephanie Cadman & Chris Csak,
