Our name, Mind to Motion, although less than two years old, represents a philosophy we have always held, give the most to people so that they can get the most from every work out. In traditional exercise, we felt we had explored the maximum benefits possible. Then something new presented itself, “Contrology,” a name Joseph Pilates had given to his series of exercises. We first became intrigued with mat Pilates, a series of exercises with a yoga background, incorporating dynamics. We grew to adapt the equipment Pilates that added the depth and focus that more fully represented us than resistance training alone.
Pilates has revolutionized our thinking and we will never be able to look at resistance training in the same manner again. In an article published in the Saturday Evening Post by Alycea Ungaro (January/February 2006), one paragraph captures the importance of Pilates and explains why our experiences convince us this is so much more than a passing fad. She writes:
“Life wreaks havoc on our bodies. People grow more and more crooked and imbalanced in the course of daily living. We are right-or left-handed; we swing a golf club or tennis racket on one side; we carry our shoulder bags and our children on one shoulder or hip. Our routines and habits cause us to consistently overuse specific muscles. Pilates can be a wonderful antidote to this, providing a workout that will straighten, strengthen, and stretch your body. This method is not a mystical cure-all. Nor should it replace other forms of exercise once you adopt it to your routine. All exercise is good for you. Run, bike, swim, hike—and do Pilates. Simply stated, Pilates will enhance and compliment all of your regular activities to help you look better, perform better, and above all, feel better.”
The six principles of Pilates are breath, concentration, control, centering, precision, and flow. The combination of the principles is why only a few reps are necessary. People leave a Pilates workout feeling energized instead of tired. We breathe deeply, moving health giving oxygen throughout the body. We focus, engaging the brain, making the mind to body connections. Pilates requires the complete control of the body by the mind. Workouts become almost a fluid and precise dance flowing out from the center, or core.
Joseph Pilates promised, “in 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 you will see the difference, and in 30 sessions you will have a new body.” We agree and invite you to come “play” with us.
