Pilates has slowly increased in popularity over the years and now is very much part of mainstream fitness. In the past it was considered more of an alternative form of exercise mainly used for rehabilitative purposes, but is now largely available at most gymnasiums worldwide.
SO...WHAT IS PILATES?
Pilates is a conditioning exercise designed to improve spinal posture; increase strength - particularly of the core, flexibility and muscular endurance; and develop long, lean muscles. It encourages awareness of one's body starting with breathing, which in turn helps your body function at its optimum level.
A BIT OF BACKGROUND
Joseph Humbertus Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 to a prize-winning gymnast father of Greek heritage and a naturopath mother.
As a child Joseph suffered from numerous illnesses including: asthma, rickets, rheumatic fever. And as a result began his interest in health by studying anatomy and reinforcing his learnings by observing animals in the woods - “Take a horse, if a man wants to race him, he keeps him in top form. He makes the horse move. Why not keep humans in top form too?"
Joseph Pilates preforming a single leg row on an early version of a pilates reformer bed
In 1912, Joseph moved to England. When World War I broke out, he was imprisoned due to his German citizenship, along with other German nationals. While in prison camp, Joseph observed animals stretching and incorporated this into the foundation of his matwork. He taught his fellow prisoners exercises using reassembled camp beds, with the springs acting as a form of resistance.
The effectiveness of his methods were proven following the influenza outbreak in 1918. The pandemic killed somewhere between 50-100 million people worldwide with those in close cohabitation were hit the hardest. Unbelievably, those who followed Joseph Pilates' exercise routines all survived the outbreak.
Joseph originally named his exercise method "Contrology". It was his belief the mind controlled all muscular movements through centred concentration - "The Pilates Method teaches you to be in control of your body and not at its mercy."
TYPES OF PILATES
1. Matwork
The traditional method of pilates, performed on mats. Exercises are performed on your back, side or front. Sometimes equipment (eg. weights, resistance bands, rollers, exercise balls) is used.
Examples of mat exercises: pelvic curl, the hundred, bridge, rocker
2. Reformer beds
A spring-loaded machine with a moving carriage. The springs act as resistance - the more springs, the higher the resistance.
3. Pilates Cadillac
A large piece of equipment featuring leg springs, arm springs, hanging loops, a push-through bar and a trapeze. Over 80 exercises can be performed from gentle spring-assisted sit ups to advanced acrobatic movements.
4. Winsor Pilates
This method of Pilates was developed by Mari Winsor, a dancer and teacher from Hollywood, California. Combining matwork and cardiovascular movements, Winsor Pilates provides a low-intensity body sculpting workout which burns calories for weight loss.
5. Stott Pilates
A contemporary approach to traditional Pilates. Joseph Pilates initially developed machines that users had to adapt to. With Stott Pilates, the machines adapt to you.
For me personally, Pilates holds a very special place in my heart. Pilates was my long awaited solution to years of excruciating back pain. I had tried everything on the market - physios, chiros, GPs, medications, rest; but none provided me with permanent relief.
Pilates made me understand the cause of my pain and how I could rectify the situation to prevent it from happening in the future. And I am very happy to say it worked!
So do something good for your body and try Pilates today!
JW
References
- www.josephpilates.com
- www.livestrong.com
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