What are Pilates? Well, the Pilates Method is a physical
exercising system that was developed by Joseph Pilates in
the early 1900's. The idea of Pilates is that this type of
exercise uses the brain to control the muscles of the body.
The Pilates Method, as it is also known, focuses on the key
muscles that assist in keeping the body balanced.
These important muscles make up one of the support systems
for the spine.
By doing Pilates, you will become more aware of your
breathing and of the alignment of your own spine. The
ultimate goal out of this exercise system is to strengthen
the muscles in the torso even though much more can be
achieved by using the Pilates system correctly.
Before I explain the process of the Pilates system, it is
important for you to know the history of this revolutionary
fitness system. Joseph Pilates invented the system during
the First World War in an attempt to improve the mental and
physical condition of war veterans.
Over the years since its creation, the Pilates way of
exercise has developed into one of the most popular systems
in the United States, with over 11 million people
practicing the exercise on a regular basis.
There are many principles of the Pilates system. While
the exact principles can be debated upon, the general
perception is that the principles are as followed:
Breathing, Centering, Concentration, Control, and
Precision. Each of these principles play an important part
in the Pilates system as the full benefits and effects of
the Pilates system are experienced when all of these
principles are utilized.
Breathing is a very important part of the Pilates system.
The founder of the Pilates technique, Joseph Pilates,
believed that it was important for the blood to circulate
so that the cell waste created by fatigue would be removed
from the body. He also believed that the blood had to
contain a vast amount of oxygen in order to remove the
waste products through breathing.
Due to this fact, the Pilates system is based upon the
process of correct breathing. Every Pilates exercise is
designed in such a way to provide for proper inhalation and
exhalation of oxygen.
Centering is another key aspect of the Pilates system. The
Pilates style of exercise starts at the "powerhouse" of the
body. The "powerhouse" consists of the large group of
muscles located in the center of the body. Another name for
the "powerhouse" is the "core", which is the term that most
instructors will use
Basically, the energy generated by the Pilates system
begins at the "core" and flows to the other parts of the
body as the exercise session continues.
Concentration is yet another important principle of
Pilates. Pilates demands a great amount of focus. From the
control of your breathing to the control of your limbs,
concentration is vital for a successful Pilates workout.
The entire Pilates system is built upon the idea of
Control. In order to enjoy a complete Pilates session, you
must have the ability to control your muscles. The
movements of the muscles must be controlled and calculated.
By doing this, you will reduce the risk of injury and allow
yourself to enjoy a more effective workout. Finally,
Precision is another major part of the Pilates system. The
body has to be precise in its movements or else energy is
wasted.
The idea of Pilates are to make precise and perfect
movements instead of imperfect movements that waste energy
and time. That would be a basic summary of the Pilates way
of life. If you are interested in starting a Pilates
chapter in your life, I recommend that you contact a
personal trainer to get you stared on the right track.
----------------------------------------------------
Zach Hunt is a pilates expert, personal trainer and owner
of Physzique, a fitness coaching service in Spokane, WA. Go
here: http://www.spokanefitnesscoach.com/index.html
or you can go here for more pilates tips:
http://www.spokanefitnesscoach.com/articles/spokane-pilates-
in-spokane.html
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