The Pilates Method is a fitness system that concentrates on health and core fitness. Pilates instructors concentrate on teaching the "contrology" (the ability to know exactly what your body is doing) of Pilates, encouraging your mind to achieve a total fusion with your muscles. The Pilates method focuses on a few repetitions of a perfect movement rather than repeating the same movement many times, the way more traditional exercise programs do.
Pilates principles:
Though there are over 500 different Pilates exercise moves and several various Pilates machines, the organizing principles for all exercises are exactly the same.
(1) Precision. All Pilates exercise moves are carried out carefully and with full attention. It's not like joggers we see out in the street listening to their headphones. The Pilates student is expected to place full awareness on what she is doing.
(2) Concentration. Pilates should be done with concentration not only on the specific exercise, but on the entire body. Pilates was wise enough to know that a change in one part of the body affects the entire body. Pilates is definitely a holistic approach.
(3) Mind over matter. The goal of all Pilates exercise moves is to unify the body and mind. Pilates knew that the muscles of the body respond to the intention of the mind.
(4) Centering. All Pilates movement begins with, and receives its power from, the core of the body. The term "core" refers to the muscles in the abdomen and back and is also known as the “powerhouse”. This is similar to Hindu teaching which states that the power chakra, or energy center, resides in the abdomen of the body.
(5) Fluidity. Since Pilates is holistic, it follows that there are no separate movements. instead, the muscles involved in each Pilates movement are intimately involved with the entire body. Practice of this discipline leads to increased grace and balance.
(6) Breathing. Since Pilates had asthma as a child, he was keenly aware that breathing was the most important element of Pilates movements. Accordingly, every single movement is carefully coordinated with a specific method of breathing. This is similar to Yoga in which the practitioner exhales when contracting and inhales upon expansion.
Benefits of Pilates:
It is well known that the method has several health advantages.
First, it greatly improves coordination, thus reducing the risk of injury and the effect of the exercises increases with practice.
Secondly, since it doesn't include violent or hyper-active movements, anyone can do it. Even people who are injured or disabled can do a modified version.
Thirdly, Pilates movements result in lean, long muscles like those of a dancer. This is incredibly healthy, reduces weight and might even add to our longevity.
Written By: Glenda Nelson
