Developed from the 1920's by the legendary physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates Method is a series of approximately 500 exercises across a wide range of specially designed exercise equipment, used for Fitness Pilates and Rehabilitation Pilates.
Whether in Sydney, Singapore, San Diego or Southampton, there are three components to the exercise Method:
The Principles
The Exercises
The Equipment
The Principles
More complex than other forms of exercises, Pilates, a fusion of western and eastern philosophies, teaches you about breathing with movement, body mechanics, balance, co-ordination, positioning of the body, spatial awareness, strength and flexibility. For full benefit of the method, you'll learn to flow from one movement to the next building stamina and cardiovascular fitness, with the basic principles of the Pilates exercise repertoire:
- Centring
- Alignment
- Breathing
- Control
- Precision
- Flowing Movement
- Relaxation
However, every studio, teacher, book, video and training organisation may introduce variations and different emphasis on these Principles.
The Exercises
Pilates and yoga share similar goals, with both systems believing in individual progress in a non-competitive arena, with emphasis on stretching as well as strengthening of muscles. However, the Pilates system works the body as a whole, co-ordinating the upper and lower musculature with the body�s centre. This dramatically improves strength, flexibility, posture and co-ordination.
The Equipment
The most popular exercise repertoire in the world is the floor matwork, due to its accessibility, found in health clubs, leisure centres or church halls. However, a fully equipped Pilates studio would have other spring and gravity based resistance equipment:
- Reformers
- Circles
- Cadillac/Trap Table
- Wunda Chair
- Pedipull
- Barrels
- Ladder Barrel
The most common piece of equipment in any Pilates studio is the Reformer (a moveable carriage for pushing and pulling). Invented in the 1940s by Joseph Pilates, the older style reformers, traditionally utilised springs as resistance, however, manufacturers over recent years have introduced many innovations such as lightweight and modern materials, adjustability, and gravity resistance. This has lead to the Reformers being the most popular piece of Pilates equipment throughout the world today.
Fitness Pilates or Rehabilitation Pilates?
It is now widely accepted that there are two types of Pilates applications. The Principles of the Pilates Method remain the same, however variations occur in types of applications and training background of instructors.
Fitness Pilates
In achieving fitness through Pilates, your motives may be Health Related (general fitness), Performance Related (sports training) or as Remedial Therapy (postural improvement).
Types of applications: matwork classes, equipment classes, studio sessions, books, videos and home use equipment.
Training Background/Types of Instructors: Dancers, Personal Trainers, Gym Instructors, Alexander Teachers, Yoga and Aerobics teachers and ex-clients of the Pilates Method.
Rehabilitation Pilates
Rehabilitation Pilates is usually sought after injury. The exercises are predominately taught on the Pilates equipment, on a one-to-one basis with the instructor.
Types of applications: Structural back problems, hips, knees, neck trauma, severe silicosis, and joint injuries.
Training Background/ types of instructors: Physiotherapists/Physical Therapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Remedial Therapists, Pilates Instructors working closely with a specialist, Pilates Instructors with further relevant training qualifications.
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Recommended Books And DVDs For Pilates
Pilates For Life DVD
Don't worry you don't have to be a ballet dancer to benefit from pilates! Pilates can be done by anyone of any age and ability. This step by step easy to follow DVD will help you achieve a flat stomach, slender thighs and buttocks, and toned arms. Darcey Bussel takes us through a series of core moves and the diet and life changing tips will help you to be healthy on the inside as well as on the outside. Practised regularly, the exercises in this DVD will strengthen your deep postural muscles.
Price: £17.99 Now £16.19
Buy the Pilates For Life DVD
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The Classic Pilates Method book
Lynne Robinson and Body Control Pilates have brought Joseph Pilates' original teachings to a vast international readership, creating exercise programmes that are famed for their clarity, effectiveness and safety. Building on the bestselling success of The Official Body Control Pilates Manual, The Complete Classic Pilates Method heralds Body Control's breakdown of the full matwork programme. Originally devised for dancers and athletes, this dynamic course brings physically-demanding exercises within everyone's grasp, breaking them down into three clear levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Complete with watchpoints and warnings for each level, preparation exercises ensure that you are ready to tackle the full action. Culminating in fluent workouts that demand only a minimum of 10 minutes four times a week, this is the clearest and most meticulously graded Pilates manual available.
Price: £12.99 Now £7.79
Buy the Classic Pilates Method book
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