What is Pilates?
Pilates is a complete philosophy of training the body and mind to achieve balance and control in the most efficient and healthful way possible. It is a dynamic, progressive system of stretching and strengthening exercises, which employs mat routines and specially designed equipment.

Joseph H. Pilates (1880 – 1967) developed this system in the early 1900’s to improve his health and to support the health of fellow World War I internees. Inspired by both Eastern and Western philosophies of training, Pilates combines the mental focus, stretching, and specific breathing of Yoga with the use of energy in Martial Arts and the physicality of gymnastics, and other sports. Specific routines have been developed for all levels, from beginners to advanced, and most movements can be modified by a knowledgeable teacher to suit individual needs.

What are the benefits of Pilates?
Under the watchful eye of an experienced, certified teacher, you will experience a workout that progresses from the inside out and touches every muscle in your body. Low repetitions of controlled movements are performed with precision, concentration, and control, targeting specific muscle groups without reaching exhaustion.

Breathing accompanies the movements and promotes circulation of freshly oxygenated blood, which contributes to the healing of muscle, tissue, and joints. When practiced regularly, Pilates helps develop lean, toned and balanced muscles, incredible abdominal strength, improved posture, reduced stress, and a feeling of rejuvenation and vitality.

What is Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)?
FST is the molding and reshaping of fascia (connective tissue) and muscle through assisted stretching.  The results are a balanced, pain free body with improved posture, flexibility, range of motion and strength. 

What are the Benefits of FST?
• Pain free movement
• Increased strength and endurance
• Improved postural alignment
• Increased energy
• Increased blood circulation
• Improved joint, muscle and nerve function
• Increased space between joints
• Decreased compression and pinching in joints and nerves

What is Fascia?

Fascia is connective tissue. It connects muscle to muscle and muscle to bone. The body is integrated with fascia much like a spider web which is continuous and connected throughout the structure.

Fascia is the most prevalent tissue in the body, yet it is sometimes the least understood. The health and function of all joints and muscles are a direct result of the condition of your fascia. Healthy circulation in your muscles, joints, arteries, veins, brain and spinal cord is largely dependent on optimal flexibility of your fascia. Exercise alone does not optimally balance, align or improve your fascia.

Why is FST more effective than traditional stretching?
One of the reasons FST is so unique is because of its affect on the nervous system. It  allows the client to relax using modified PNF (contract-release) which brings the body into a parasympathetic state allowing the tissue to release without pain or effort. Applying PNF builds strength in the fascia and muscle from a "core" level and begins the process of retraining the tissue to "fire" properly. One of the fastest ways to release a muscle is to contract it ( 3 to 5 contractions should release a muscle within 15 seconds compared to traditional methods of holding a stretch which takes 3 minutes).

Stretching fascia and muscle creates a permanent change in the tissue which you can feel immediately and with each session feel longer lasting results. By stretching fascia and the muscle, you are able to stretch more tissue in a shorter period of time as opposed to performing traditional stretching (muscle by muscle)  which can be painful,  time consuming and marginally effective.

For more information on FST go to www.stretchtowin.com