User Friendly Pilates

How to get stronger without getting hurt?

User Friendly Pilates (UFP) is a non-traditional approach developed by Ernie Adams to increase core strength while enhancing body awareness, balance and coordination.  UFP draws on principles of *Feldenkrais® Somatic Education, Yoga and dance. Evidence based research in sports medicine and professional athletics demonstrates that just doing sit-ups, or pumping weights, will not necessarily give you the health benefits you’re looking for. Like most things, it is how you do it that makes the difference. User Friendly Pilates can give you the opportunity to discover how to train with the proper awareness and mental focus to get fit without getting hurt.

A little background about Joseph Pilates (1880-1967):

Joseph Pilates developed an approach to fitness and health focusing on using the whole body in a balanced and efficient way. He was unhealthy as a child and driven towards self-improvement. He became a body builder, gymnast, and a boxer and was deeply influenced by Eastern and Greek ideas about body-mind integration. Feeling the natural rhythm and flow of movement is central to the approach. Performing the exercises with precision and developing strength and stability of the “core” is emphasized. Having a balanced body and “feeling” the movement cultivates an artistic quality that is similar to dance and choreography, and is one reason Pilates has been embraced by professional dancers around the world.

About the core:

In Pilates, “core” is usually associated with the lower back, abdominal, and pelvic area. This same area is also referred to as the source of energy or power in Yoga, meditation, dance, and martial arts. Functionally, this area is central to connecting the upper and lower body together. Having good stability and control at the core gives you more efficiency and power. Rather than developing huge muscles, the goal of Pilates is a leaner, more coordinated and balanced body. That is why it has been popular with professional dancers for many decades.