Pilates Exercise– what’s so special?

Pilates is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed over 100 years ago by Joseph H Pilates. It works to strengthen and tone core muscles, improve posture, provide flexibility and balance, unite body and mind, and was designed to create a healthy body, a healthy mind and a healthy life.

Rather than isolating muscle groups in a workout, Pilates prefers to treat the body as the integrated whole that it is. Poor physical condition and injury or pain, usually are the result of muscle/postural imbalances that arise from overworking some muscles and neglecting others, through incorrect exercise regimes, or poor patterns/habits of general movement. The goal of Pilates based exercises is to balance our bodies, improve circulation, reduce stress, improve endurance, look better and feel great, and increase wellbeing and self confidence.

Joseph Pilates understood the physical and mental pressures of a busy schedule. He sought to teach us to work our bodies efficiently in exercise and in our daily tasks. He believed that his method would help people to become more productive both mentally and physically. For this reason the Pilates matwork is designed to fit into the physical and time constraints of the individual, tailoring their workout to their body, while keeping to the essential elements of the method.

Pilates began developing his exercise system in Germany in the early 1900’s. He battled with asthma and rickets as a child, hence this method sprang from his determination to strengthen his frail body. He called his method ‘The art of Contrology’ (or muscle control) to highlight his unique approach of using the mind to master the muscles.

The beauty of Pilates is that once you understand the core of its philosophy, its movements can be used in any format. Each exercise is an important movement in and of itself and can be used as a way to stretch and move correctly in the course of one’s day, but it is not a limited exercise regimen. Many people use the essence of the exercises to enhance other activities or sports or lifestyles.

The power each of us has to take control over our own wellbeing is astonishing. It begins by becoming aware of our bodies as an integrated part of our creative minds. The Pilates method of body conditioning is not designed to be a strenuous and grueling exercise that leaves you tired and sore. In fact, quite the opposite is true. By allowing the movements to stretch your body while you work on the strengthening elements of the method, you are creating a habit of relaxed effort for your body to follow.

Using visual imaging and engaging the mind are essential elements of Pilates. When you work your body without engaging your mind you are performing only half a workout. It is the least efficient way to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Using visual images to engage the mind is the quickest way to access the complex muscles that most people don’t even necessarily have anatomical understanding of. For example, if I tell you to sit up tall as if your head were touching the ceiling, not only are you using your mind’s eye to visualize that sensation, but you have also engaged a whole host of muscles you probably never even knew you had. You are presenting your mind and body with a challenge that requires them to join forces to achieve that goal.

Pilates was designed to work directly with the deepest muscles in the body, creating a strong core without the pain associated with conventional exercises. Because you stretch your muscles as you strengthen them throughout a Pilates workout, there is no danger of not being properly warmed up. There is no ripping of muscle tissue, jarring impact on joints, or exhaustion of muscles beyond effectiveness. Each movement has a maximum number of reps. The reason for this is, assuming you are doing the exercise correctly, that you are working your muscles so precisely and efficiently that doing any more is unnecessary.

The principles of Pilates:

Concentration – key element to connecting mind and body.

Control – remaining controlled helps to prevent injury and ensures the exercise is done properly.

Centre – the initiation of all exercises come from the centre of the body, encompassing abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks – our strong foundation.

Fluidity – dynamic energy and flowing movement, rather than static, isolated or jerky movements.

Precision – to leave out any detail is to forsake the intrinsic value of the exercise.

Breath – full inhales and full exhales allow the body to be energized and revitalized.

Pilates combines stretching, weight-bearing (you use your own body weight as resistance) and breathing, which makes it a perfect anti-aging and longevity exercise form to do.

For more information and to locate a studio near you, go to www.lambertipilates.com (UK); www.stottpilates.com or www.basipilates.com.