This physical fitness system was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. As of 2005, there were 11 million people who practiced this method regularly and there were approximately 14,000 instructors in the U.S.A.
Pilates names his method of exercise Contrology as he believed that his Pilates Method used one’s mind to control the body’s muscles.
The program’s main focus is on the core postural muscles. These help to keep the body balanced, and these muscles also help to provide support for the spine.
Pilates exercises make a person aware of breath and the alignment of the spine. An emphasis is also placed on strengthening the deep torso muscles which are so important in helping to alleviate and prevent back pain.
Joseph Pilates first formed this method during World War I in an effort to improve the rehabilitation program that would be needed by many of the returning veterans.
He believed that physical and mental health are essential to each other. His precise movements emphasized form and control to help the injured soldiers regain their health by stretching, strengthening and stabilizing key muscles.
-The Pilates Principles- were created by Joseph Pilates to condition the entire body which includes proper alignment,
concentration, precision, flowing movement, centering, control and breathing.
You can expect a Pilates session to help increase strength and flexibility, align the spine and lengthen the body. The
Pilates method does not build muscle mass.
The fields of rehabilitation and fitness encourage Pilates for its focus on the lower back muscles as well as those of
the abdomen.
In order for you to get the maximum benefit from your Pilates workout, you may want to keep the following tips in
mind:
– Stay focused.
– Pilates was designed so that your breathing rhythm combines with your body movements. Qualified Pilates instructors will teach you ways to keep the rhythm of your breathing in sync with the exercises.
You will also be instructed to keep your mind on your muscles and exactly what you are doing. Pilates main goal is to unite your mind with your body. This helps to relieve anxiety and stress.
– Be comfortable.
– Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bear in mind that Pilates is typically done without shoes. If you start to feel uncomfortable, experience pain or feel strained then it is time to stop.
– Let it flow.
– As you perform your Pilates exercises you should avoid any quick, jerky movements. Each movement should be slow, but it should still be strong and flexible.
Joseph Pilates worked with dancers so it was his aim that the movements would flow like a dance.
– Put your heart into it.
– One of the nice things about doing Pilates is that you don’t even have to break a sweat.
However, you can choose to work the exercises quickly in an effort to increase your heart rate, but at all times keeping the movements fluid.
Since Pilates is mainly about strength and flexibility, you may wish to pair your Pilates workout with an aerobic exercise such as brisk walking or swimming.