Contemporary Pilates work is heavily informed by modern medicine and bio-mechanics, using the original Pilates Method as a foundation and aiming to strengthen the body in the most functional and efficient ways. The goal is to counteract the bad habits our bodies develop as we go about our day-to-day lives. Pilates is often thought of as a "core workout," but active and thoughtful work throughout a well-structured session will target every part of the body. A conscientious Pilates instructor is able to identify a client's habits and needs, and customize the session accordingly. Contemporary Pilates work is characterized by the use of a "neutral spine" and "neutral pelvis," meaning that the spine and pelvis are in their most anatomically ideal placement. The spine is lengthened, but with all of its natural curves present, so that weight is distributed evenly along the spinal column and the vertebral discs stay hydrated and uncompressed. Working on strength, stability, mobility, and balance while "in neutral" creates muscular support for the body's most ideal posture, essentially using muscles to create more space between bones. Proper skeletal alignment and muscular activation encourage the muscles of the "core" (which include the muscles of the back and pelvic floor as well as abdominals) to engage consistently; this ensures that your core, which has the ability to support all movement most efficiently, is always active. The lengthened strengthening of the core and the rest of the body provides much more than just aesthetic benefit (although we can't deny that it's a nice side-effect); it eases pressure throughout the skeletal structure by creating more space in the joints and placing bones in their most ideal relationships, relieving chronic pain and compensatory tension.
