Pilates focuses on movements of the limbs as secondary to stabilizing the spine, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle. Pilates also focuses on the balance of muscles on both sides of the body. Joseph Pilates was often quoted saying "We are only as young as our spine and all that supports it are strong and supple." Pilates also focuses on active range of motion. In the Pilates system, focus is placed on increasing one's flexibility with strength. Great flexibility doesn’t necessarily mean we have strength in that particular position. Being inflexible can be a sign of an imbalance of strength in the muscles surrounding the joint which can restrict motion. The ultimate goal is to have improved range of motion in our joints with control in that position hence the original name of the Pilates method "Contrology".

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