Pilates

Pilates is a body conditioning workout in which you use the body’s central muscles.
Using the inner muscles, you are able to exercise while keeping the popular posture.
Pilates works your inner muscles, and corrects the placement of your pelvis and overall body balance while retouching your body into its beautiful shape. It is an exercise perfect for those who want to be healthy and slim and don’t want to feel overworked.

Through breathing and the movement of the body, because you are using them while focusing on your inner core muscles, you can image parts of your body which you cannot see. As a result, it is possible to develop lean, flexible body with better balance. Because Pilates strengthens your back and abdomen, it’s as if you have a single “core” going straight through your body! Pilates will help strengthen and refresh your body.

History
Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates who was born to a family of gymnasts. J. Pilates was born in Germany in 1880, and he had a very weak body from childhood. J. Pilates suffered from asthma and rheumatism fever, and in order to strengthen his weak body J. Pilates trained his body through boxing, yoga, gymnastics, and martial arts; which he later used to create a totally new exercise that consists of each elements from exercise. He called this Pilates. In 1926 J. Pilates went from Germany to America and opened a studio in New York to teach his very own exercise. Gradually it became known through the dancers and actors at the studio, and Pilates became the buzz among people. Soon sports athletes and celebrities began taking his class. Nowadays, it is so famous that it is considered as one of the top three best finesses routines in the USA. Recently Pilates has been become more popular amongst young women in Japan.

Difference between Pilates and Yoga

ilates and yoga both take similar positions so many people assume that the two are the same, or have few differences. And in fact Pilates does contain many elements of yoga, incorporating some of yoga’s unique poses which causes people to think that they’re the same. But compared to yoga, which has many difficult poses which most people cannot accomplish, Pilates was created so that it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Efficiency
If you do it right you will have a higher metabolism and it will become easier to lose weight
Because Pilates consist of building your inner muscles, you boost your metabolism, and create a body that will have a lower chance of gaining fat.

It is effective for the creation of a toned, balanced body
Because you stabilize your pelvis during the exercise, you can balance out your body on both the left and right sides.

Relieving stress
●Your waist line will be more toned
●Improving your sensitivity to the cold
●Creating better posture　　　　　　　　　
●Improving cramped shoulders
●Solves backaches　　　　　

Pilates is recommended for:
★For those that sit at a desk for long periods of time on a daily basis
★For those suffering cramped shoulders and headaches
★For those who do have visible muscles, but are not exactly satisfied with their body balance
★Constipation, sensitivity to the cold, and for those suffering from swelling
★For those who recently feel tense or stressed

Five Basics of Pilates

1.Breathing (To make your muscles active through abdominal breathing, and you are able to maintain a relaxed effect）
2.Think about the inner core of your body
3.Focus（It is quality over quantity, and be sure to care about moving the muscles in the right way and time）
4.Smooth movements（From relaxing, you exercise in a slow, fluid motion）
5.Control（To control your muscles accurately, do not go beyond your limits）

Pilate’s class

Streaching and posing

Zen meditation

Meditation is considered to be good for your health and beauty; it is a popular way to relax while getting away from the suffocation and stresses of reality. Meditation is also a way to learn more about Japanese spiritual culture.

Effects
●Calm your body by focusing your heart in one place. By unifying your body and heart, you are able to calm your heart and body.
●You can strengthen your power of focus
●It relieves stress and refreshes your brain

Enouji’s Zen meditation Pilate’s class

The first 40 minutes of the class is a lesson on Pilates, and the second half of the class, another 40 minutes, is the execution of Pilates. Both are real lessons, and all beginners are welcome!
The instructors will teach each and every one of you carefully. Also after the lesson there are snacks and tea also provided.

Working with an instructor

Tea and snacks

Information
Place:　Enouji
Address:　Tokyo Ota ward Sanou 1-6-30
Access:　JR Keihin Tohoku line Omori station north exit (Sanou exit) 3 minute walk
Capacity：Each time 15 people (first come first serve)
Fee：3000yen
To bring：Comfortable clothes