Μέθοδος Pilates

Our Philosophy

Every Pilates practice in mema Pilates studio is dedicated to the whole body and the awakening of the senses. Conscious movement is “embraced” by the breathing flow that helps you build a stronger, healthier body, and the most important? Functional and released from pain.

Mema Tsachaki’s method, as the name “mema” suggests, deepens on two defining points:

  • Muscle Empowerment – focusing on the muscular strengthening of the whole body and how you can achieve a sculpted and agile body.
  • Mind Alignment – Focusing on the conscious control of breathing in coordination with movement.

 

Pilates is a seed that once planted it continues to “bloom” for as long as it is being explored, offering you innumerable physical benefits and upgrading your quality of life. It is not just about 1 hour of exercise, but about the feeling, emotions and energy you get to take with you for the rest of your day. That is where the change takes place. This is where you meet us.

Where we differ

The courses are conducted strictly in small groups, which are composed after the necessary evaluation of each practitioner. Our goal is for each group to consist of students who have the same needs, so that everyone evolves to the 100% of their potential, all following the same exercises in sync. For this reason, some personal introductory courses are required that will give the instructor the opportunity to know exactly the needs and goals of the practitioner.

A few words about Pilates classes

Our courses are suitable for every body, every age and every condition (eg pregnancy, musculoskeletal problems, recovery or prevention of injuries, need for weight loss, athletic maintenance / strengthening).

*The classes are held in small groups of 3-5 people and the duration is 55 minutes.

**Due to the pandemic of Covid19, the classes are semi-personal, held in groups of max 3 people, without any additional cost.

Pilates (or Contrology as it was originally called) is a holistic method of training based on the “synergy” of body and mind. It is an autobiographical method which was inspired in the 20th century by the restless and of Greek-German origin, Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1880-1967). Initially, he applied his method as a way of rehabilitation to wounded World War I soldiers and later developed it further by applying it to dancers and athletes. Pilates nowadays has a great impact worldwide and is practiced by people of all genders and ages.

Pilates method is consisted of different exercises intended to improve the body and the quality of life of the practitioner, ultimately promoting conscious movement from inside out. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that all the exercises are adapted to the body type, the needs and the particularities of each one separately. Controlled movements in flow are coordinated with breathing aiming at the ergonomic alignment of the spine, the strengthening of the torso (or powerhouse) and the balance of the muscular system.

Special attention is given to the conscious observation of the body and the ability to isolate. This means that with the Pilates method you learn to isolate some muscle groups, keeping them steady, while strengthening some others.

Pilates is based on six original principles:

  • Breathing
  • Concentration
  • Control
  • Precision
  • Centering
  • Flow
Pilates is practiced either on a mat (Pilates mat) with or without the use of additional equipment (ball, Pilates ring etc.) or on machines (Pilates equipment), for example Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and the Ladder Barrel. At mema Pilates studio the classes are held on Pilates machines, while you can also do online Pilates mat classes with absolute safety and guidance.

According to the book ‘Return to Life Through Contrology’, Joseph Pilates originally called the method of Contrology, a “complete coordination of body, mind and spirit”. Indeed, the mental concentration of the practitioner is a prerequisite for a beneficial Pilates practice. The quality of the movement is enhanced through the breath harmonization, the so-called “lateral” or “intercostal”.

In this way, the thoracic cage is fully activated, as well as all the muscles of the respiratory system. During lateral breathing, inhaling is done through the nose while exhaling through the slightly open mouth, until the lungs are completely empty. Breathing acquires natural flow and rhythm and is coordinated with bodily movements. Gradually, the practitioner learns to clear his mind of anything that might distract him and focus solely on the “now” of Pilates practicing.

  • Muscular
  • strengthening of the body and especially the torso
  • Flexibility enhancement
  • Posture improvement
  • Injury prevention
  • Dealing with musculoskeletal problems
  • Increase of body functionality
  • Physical self-awareness
  • Reduce stress
  • More energy
  • Healthy joints
  • Wellness