What is Pilates?

The Pilates Method is a sophisticated system of gentle but effective, whole-body conditioning and corrective exercise which has been popular among dancers and other people wanting to be fit in the US for over 80 years.  People of all ages and physical conditions may benefit from Pilates exercises. The exercises are also an effective tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Dancers and athletes who are depend on their bodies are drawn to Pilates.

More recently, the Pilates Method is being practiced by people of all ages and backgrounds. Pilates is designed to release excess tension while producing long, and strong muscles and efficient postural alignment.  This mind-body fitness style brings awareness to the breath while strengthening the deep abdominals and other core muscles which connect the pelvis, spine and limbs.

The Pilates Method builds deep strength, flexibility and coordination, and is useful for resolving back problems and other conditions.

There are two ways to practise Pilates (pronounced pih-LAH-tees). You can do matwork in a class or with a video where you'll do specialised calisthenics exercises, or you can work out on specially designed machines with exotic names such as the Cadillac and the Reformer.

Who is Pilates?

Joseph Pilates, the pioneer and originator of Pilates, was born in Germany in 1880.  He began as a small, frail child, and became interested by exercises that would make him healthier and stronger. He became and excellent skier, boxer and gymnast. During World War I, Pilates interned as a nurse, and it was during this time that he designed exercise apparatus used to rehabilitate injured war victims.  In 1926, Pilates and his wife opened their first studio in New York City. Many of the first people to try Pilates were dancers, such as teh likes of George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins and Martha Graham, who practiced and believed in the efficacy of his method.

What are the basics of Pilates?

The basics of the Pilates method include proper breathing which is deep and supported from the abdomen.  Proper posture is emphasized, and a new way of standing and more gracefully moving begins to happen.  Intense concentration and focus assist the process. Proper stance and correct body alignment have an making the practitioner feel taller and leaner. The movement is flowing outward from a strong center.  Muscles become strong, long, extended, rather than bulky.

Example of a workout move:

The following  move gives you an idea of what you might experience in a Pilates-inspired workout.

• Lie on your back with your knees bent, legs pressed together and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
• Contract your abs and hold your arms out at your sides and slightly off the floor.
• Moving slowly, curl upwards until your chest touches your knees. First lift your head off the floor, then your shoulder blades one vertebra at a time. If necessary, assist yourself by holding onto the back of your thighs.
• Sit up straight at the top of the movement then round your back and lower with control.
• Remember your posture, concentration, and breath are most important. The number of reps you do is least important
  as it is the quality of the movement your are looking for.