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What is The Pilates Method?
A Moving
Experience For The Body You Live
In
 The
Pilates Method is an holistic exercise
system focused on improving
flexibility and strength for the
total body without building
bulk.
Developed in the 1920s by the
legendary physical trainer and
founder of The New York Pilates
Studio, Joseph H. Pilates, the
method is a series of controlled
movements engaging your body and
mind supervised by extensively
trained teachers.
Mind-Body-Spirit Workout
Pilates works by getting your mind in tune
with your body through focusing
on proper breathing and posture. By emphasizing
proper breathing, correct spinal
and pelvic alignment, and
complete concentration on
smooth, flowing movement, you
become acutely aware of how your
body feels, where it is in
space, and how to control its
movement. In Pilates, quality of
movement is valued over quantity
of repetitions.
Proper breathing
is essential in the Pilates
system which strengthens
the body by engaging the torso
and lower body. These dynamic
workouts look to access the
deepest abdominal muscle through
the breath, helping you
to execute movements with maximum
power and efficiency. The
purpose is to stabilize the
central core, thus creating
muscular lines of connections
that more deeply support the
lumbar spine and facilitate
movement. Using the ball allows
you to stretch and strengthen
your entire body with specific
focus on the core stabilizers.
The ball adds an element of
challenge and fun to the
workout. Learning
to breath properly also gives the
added benefit of reducing
stress.
What makes Body Control Pilates
different?
Body Control Pilates is
remarkably effective and
medically approved. Holistic in
nature it is based upon a
well-constructed philosophical
foundation. Central to the
Method is awareness of your own
body and each and every
exercise is built around its
eight basic principles:
Relaxation
Co-ordination
Alignment
Stamina
Concentration
Centering
Breathing
Flowing
Movements
There are two ways to exercise
in Pilates
Today, most people
focus on the mat exercises,
which require only a floor mat
and training. These exercises
are designed so that your body
uses its own weight as
resistance. The other method of
Pilates uses a variety of
machines to tone and strengthen
the body, again using the
principle of resistance.
Keep these three tips in mind so
that you can get the most out of
your Pilates workout.
Stay Focused
Pilates is
designed to combine your
breathing rhythm with your body
movements. Qualified instructors
teach ways to keep your
breathing working in conjunction
with the exercises. You will
also be taught to concentrate on
your muscles and what you are
doing. The goal of Pilates is to
unite your mind and body, which
relieves stress and anxiety.
Be Comfortable
Wear comfortable
clothes (as you would for yoga -
shorts or tights and a T-shirt
or tank top are good choices),
and keep in mind that Pilates is
usually done without shoes. If
you start feeling uncomfortable,
strained, or experience pain,
you should stop.
Let it
Flow
When you perform
your exercises, avoid quick,
jerky movements. Every movement
should be slow, but still strong
and flexible. Joseph Pilates
worked with dancers and designed
his movements to flow like a
dance.
Who is it For?
.
Professional sportspersons to
enhance performance.
Performers (actors, dancers,
musicians, etc.)
Chronic back pain sufferers.
First-time exercisers
The elderly
Those wishing to prevent and
treat osteoporosis
Those with stress-related
illnesses or eating disorders
Anyone
wishing to improve fitness,
posture, breathing
and appearance
Basically, for all!
Breathing
techniques are taught and
relaxation is essential. Those
who practice Pilates are taught
to recognize their postural
alignment in the spine and
pelvis, and to correct any
abnormalities. The use of the
wrong muscles is discouraged and
core stability is slowly
mastered. Once posture and core
stability are present, more
movements are added and then
progressed. The techniques are
started on mats, with more
advanced exercises making use of
specialist equipment.
The Benefits:
Assists
in aligning your body
Helps in rehabilitation of
injuries
A great work out for abdominals
Stretches and strengthens the
body
When modified, great exercise
for pregnant women
Weight loss
Well being
Increased energy levels.
Summing
it up
Pilates will help to improve
posture, balance and
coordination with increased
flexibility and agility.
Strengthening the core of the
body through proper control and
form with fewer repetitions by
teaching proper breathing to
promote mental focus. |
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