 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
Pronounced "Puh-lah-tees," this intelligent exercise was developed by German nurse and Fitness guru Joseph Hubertus Pilates. Born in Desseldorf , Germany , in 1880, Joseph Pilates suffered from asthma and poor health as a child, which shaped his attitude towards the importance of physical fitness throughout his life. As a youth, he worked hard to build and strengthen his body. He became an excellent athlete and began a series of exercise that he later called "Contrology." He later employed specialized machines to teach the body self-awareness and strengthen muscles without straining them, in a complete and balanced way.
Simply put, Pilates is a total body conditioning system that integrates the mind, and body to improve muscle control, strength and flexibility. This is done by creating body awareness, coordination and endurance. It does not take the place of cardiovascular exercise. To lose weight, one must do consistent aerobic exercise and follow nutritional guidelines. Pilate's exercise will tighten and tone muscles, which also improves the appearance of the body.
As we age, our bodies can develop muscle imbalances. For example, a person who lifts regularly using the muscles in his or her arms and shoulders without the aid of the torso or "core" muscles, runs the risk of weakness in the stabilizers (back and abdominal muscles). This can cause injury to and degeneration of the unsupported. The rest of the body may then compensate for this weakness, which can lead to further injury to other parts of the body. This is preventable and reversible in most cases.
Pilates can form an integral part of rehabilitation from overuse or misuse of the body, reducing the chance of re-injury once recovered. It develops muscles through their full range of motion in various movement patterns, and results in lengthened, flexible muscles with greater strength. Pilates exercises are beneficial for neck and back pain, soft-tissue injuries, joint restrictions, injury prevention, sports and dance injures, occupational overuse syndrome, pregnancy fitness, and postnatal care.
Pilates develops proximal stability - the ability to control the torso without putting stress on the spine. It can also correct any muscle imbalances caused by injury and postural problems by aligning the body correctly and balancing the muscular and external forces acting on the joints and musculoskeletal structure.
There are 8 aims of Pilates exercises:
Alignment - to re-educate the posture and balance of the muscles that surround the joints
Concentration - to perform each exercise with precision and to develop" muscle memory"
Coordination - to improve the brain's control of the body's movement and dynamic function
Breathing - To use the "breath" to facilitate the movement of the body
Flowing Movements - to focus on lengthening from the center of the body (core) and performing movements slowly and smoothly
Endurance - To develop the stabilization muscles and integrate them into activities of everyday living, work and sport
Imaging - to develop an internalized visual sense of the body in both postural alignment and functional movement
Integration - to develop a sense of performing all movement with the whole body to balance the effort of the body's muscular and skeletal systems.
Pilates exercises focus on developing the strength of the body's "core" muscles, which act to stabilize and support the spine. Performed slowly, the exercises control the body and focus the mind. Breathing, correct initiation of muscle movement and postural support are emphasized in every exercise, so the principles may also be applied while carrying out everyday activities.
Did you know there are many Pilates disciplines available in the market today?
Classical/New York Pilates, Stott Pilates, West Coast Pilates and numerous Pilates based programs just to name a few.
What are the two most common techniques taught South of Boston?
Classical / New York Pilates:
The original Pilates method developed by Joseph Pilates with little or no deviation.
Stott Pilates: Is the classical repertoire broken down with changes based on bio mechanical information available today, created by Moira Stott.
Equipment most commonly used by Pilates Studios:
Reformer Cadillac Barrel Chair
Pilates Excersises 101:
The Roll up The Bicycle The Saw The Swan Dive
The Neck Pull The Scissors The Cork Screw The Jack-Knife
The Side Kick The Teaser The Boomerang Swimming
The Seal The Crab The Spine Twist The Rocker
Now You're Ready to take a class "Return to Life"
Debra Goldman, Pilates instructor and Certified Personal Trainer with 25 years experience is the owner of Pilates Works, Inc., a fully equipped Pilates & Personal Training Studio that caters to women & men of all ages, fitness levels and medical conditions. For more information please contact Pilates Work, Inc. at 508 358.4635 or e mail debtrainer@aol.com
