What is Pilates and The Pilates Principles?

What is Pilates? ...it is a form of exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates back in the 1920s.

It was originally used as a rehabilitation program for prisoners of war. It was found to be a great benefit to anyone who was seeking higher levels of fitness.

We are all aware that fitness trends come and go.

Some remain with us for a great length of time, such as aerobics, and then there are certain trends such as the slide, that fade away.

Well nowadays the trend is to focus upon the body and mind with activities such as Pilates.

Many people ask What is Pilates?

Pilates is a cross between yoga, calisthenics and stretching. Pilates is undertaken to:

• Enhance body alignment
• Strengthen the abs, back and stabilizer muscles
• Stretch, strengthen and relax the body

Pilates is gentle enough for pregnant women, when it has been modified, while at the same time being challenging enough for advanced exercisers. It incorporates exercises that target the abs, back and legs which results in the body becoming stronger and more
flexible.

Winsor Pilates

Pilates is not a great cardio or strength training workout, so it should be used as an add-on to a regular routine.

Pilates is a fantastic, dynamic exercise routine. Many moves require that you hold your torso in place while you undertake to move your limbs in different directions. This is obviously a great challenge for your balance, along with core strength, stability and flexibility.

Pilates is very often included in an aerobics schedule at health clubs. It is even common for many cities to have Pilates studios, whereby you will either perform your workout on specially designed equipment or on a mat.

A majority of Pilates classes have been adapted nowadays to take place on a mat, which may include using equipment such as a ring, ball, or band.

If you do not live in an area whereby Pilates is available, then videos and DVDs are available so that you can undertake the exercise in the comfort of your own home.

Pilates can be easily adapted to suit everyone. All exercises are modified to make the workout safe and challenging for a person at any level of fitness.

Core strength is the main basis of Pilates. The core muscles are the internal muscles that are deep in the abdomen and back. Pilates will train the core muscles to become strong whereby they will then work together with the surface muscles of the trunk in order to support the spine and movement.

As the core strength is developed, the stability throughout the entire torso will also be developed. Pressure on the back will be relieved when the trunk is correctly stabilized, and the body will be able to move freely and efficiently.

The Pilates Principles include: Mind over Matter,
Breathing, Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Fluidity, and Integration.

• Mind over Matter

One of the most important Pilates principles is mind over matter.

Practitioners believe that the main aim of Pilates is for the creation of a fusion of mind and body, so that the body, without thinking about it, will move with economy, balance and grace.

The final result is to produce an attention-free union of mind and body. It is believed by practitioners that one should use the body to the greatest advantage, which means making the most of its strengths, counteracting its weaknesses, and correcting imbalances.

It is required that one pays constant attention to the body while undertaking the movements. It is vital that close attention is paid to the movement, more so than any other aspect of the movement.

• Breathing

• Centering

• Concentration

An intense focus is demanded when undertaking Pilates. For example, the pelvic floor and inner thighs may be assessed when undertaking a standing exercise which tones the triceps.

Careful attention is paid by beginners to their bodies, building on small, gentle movements and controlled breathing.

• Control

Muscle control is essential in Pilates. This means no uncontrolled movements. Each and every exercise in Pilates must be performed with the greatest control in order to avoid injury and to produce positive results.

• Precision

There is a purpose behind every movement in the method of Pilates. Every instruction is highly important to receive success of the whole. It is important to focus on completing one movement perfectly, rather than complete many unenthusiastic movements.

This precision will eventually become second nature, and carry over into everyday life as grace and economy of movement.

• Fluidity

It is important, when undertaking any Pilates exercise, that a smooth, continuous motion is carried out, rather than jarring repetitions.

• Integration

Several different groups of muscles are used at the same time in order to control and support movement.

It is when all of these Pilates principles are brought together that you will perform a holistic mind-body workout and you'll understand what is pilates.

"Achieving A Healthy Lifestyle For Women's Health and Fitness"