23 Aug What is Pilates?
In Joseph Pilates book Return to Life through Contrology, he presents his method as the art of controlled movements, which should look and feel like a workout (not a therapy) when properly manifested. If practiced with consistency, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength, and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. The core, consisting of the muscles of the abdomen, low back, and hips, is often called the “powerhouse”, and is thought to be the key to a person’s stability. Intensity can be increased over time as the body adapts itself to the exercises.
Joseph Pilates named the exercise “Contrology” and through time the name has evolved to Pilates, Joseph last name. The technique also prioritizes quality over quantity. Pilates exercises do not include a lot of repetitions for each move. The idea is that by performing each exercise with precision and focusing on the breath you can achieve significant results in a shorter amount of time.
Pilates consist of 6 principles. They summarize the philosophy of the method and are essential to getting the most out of every exercise.
• Centering: This is the practice of bringing your awareness to the center of your body—the area between the lower ribs and pubic bone. This central region of the core powers all Pilates exercises.
• Concentration: By focusing on each exercise with your full attention, you will yield maximum results from each movement.
• Control: Complete muscular control requires conscious, deliberate movement and is emphasized in every Pilates exercise.
• Precision: Sustained awareness ensures that each movement is precise. This means the appropriate placement of each body part and focusing on proper alignment and core engagement.
• Breath: Joseph Pilates advocated for using the lungs to strongly pump the air fully in and out of the body. Most Pilates exercises coordinate with the breath since the breath is integral to the method.
• Flow: Pilates exercises are not meant to be rigid. Fluidity, grace, and ease are applied to every movement. The idea is that the energy of an exercise performed from the central “powerhouse” connects each part of the body to move in a single fluid motion. Pilates equipment such as the reformer is a great indicator of flow since it functions best when a practitioner is performing movements with both precision and fluidity.
Pilates is a form of exercise and movement that is good for everyone and every body type. It can be taught on the mat with no equipment and on Pilates equipment i.e. Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair. When attending your 1st Pilates session, look for a beginner or intro class and let the instructor know of any injuries or pain you may be dealing with in your body. Classes and Private sessions can be taught in Classical or Contemporary styles but there will always be some common exercises. The Hundreds, Roll Ups, Leg Circles, Rolling Like a Ball and Series of 5 are universally taught in all levels and all styles.
Benefits and goals of a consistent Pilates practice include:
• Increased strength
• Improved flexibility and mobility
• Balanced muscular development
• Improved movement awareness
• Improved coordination and more efficient movement patterns
• Improved posture
• Self-confidence and sense of well being
• Integration of mind, body, and spirit
• Enhanced quality of life