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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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  Pilates is a method of conditioning the body. It strengthens and tones muscles, improves flexibility and posture, and develops coordination and balance.
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 What Is
Pilates?
Pilates is a method of conditioning the body.
It strengthens and tones muscles, improves flexibility and posture, and
develops coordination and balance. Who was
Joseph Pilates?
Joseph, born in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1880, was a sickly child with asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. He developed an exercise method to improve his own condition, calling it “The Art of Contrology”, because it emphasized using the mind to control the muscles. Interned during WWI, Pilates used his technique to train fellow internees. He and his wife, Clara, immigrated to the US in 1926, and established their first studio in New York City. Pilates has enjoyed a devout following among dancers and performers, and has recently been discovered by athletes, models, and actors. Basic
Principles of the Pilates Method
Relaxation: Releasing unwanted tension from the body. Concentration: A key element for the mind/body connection emphasized by Pilates: “Concentrate on the correct movements each time you exercise, lest you do them improperly and thus lose all the vital benefits of their value.” J. Pilates. Control: The Pilates program emphasizes muscle control. Movements are not performed just for the sake of getting through them. Each exercise is performed with the utmost control to avoid injury and produce positive results. Centering: Developing the “powerhouse” of the body, the abdominal, low back and buttock musculature. Exercises are initiated from the “powerhouse” and flow outward to the arms and legs. Fluidity: Focus is on graceful, flowing motion coming from a strong center. Quick, jerky movements are avoided. Precision: Every movement has a purpose, and all movements are important to the whole. Breathing: Movements utilize full inhalation and exhalation. Proper breathing helps to control the movements during the exercises, and helps to cleanse the bloodstream by bringing more oxygen flow to the tissues. Stamina: Introducing
the element of intensity to build endurance. Who Can
Benefit from Pilates?
· People who want to tone and strengthen their bodies in a controlled, non-jarring manner. · People who want to increase their abdominal and buttocks muscles. · People who want to increase their flexibility. · People who want to strengthen their backs. · People who want to improve their posture. · People who want to develop their coordination and balance. What
If I Have Back or Neck Pain, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, or Other Medical Problems? · If you have any medical problem, check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. · Make sure that your instructor knows how to modify the exercises for your particular situation. ·
Some conditions might be might be better addressed with other
forms of exercise, or by individual sessions; ask your instructor what she
recommends for your particular situation. About The Instructor
Alice G. Huss is a physical therapist with 17 years experience. She has taught core stabilization principles, such as those used by Pilates, since 1971. She is a certified Pilates Instructor through The Professional Health and Fitness Institute. |
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