I recently taught a beautifully hot and sweaty Pilates class, and as my clients were leaving the room - a yoga instructor entered the room eager to get ready to teach the next class. "Is this just
Pilates?", she asked. To which I replied, "No, this is just pies and lattes". In my passive aggressive response, it dawned on me that most people don't know what Pilates is - or better yet, that it's not a women's stretching class.
My mama bear came out - and for good reason. Pilates changed my life giving me back full mobility after a near-death car accident left me in severe pain when I was 19 years old. I've seen Pilates literally change the bodies of countless clients - an 86 year old gaining a full inch in his spine, a 12 year old Junior Olympic ice skater achieving full range of motion in her hips after a traumatic fall, to numerous athletes and weekend warriors improving postural alignment and flexibility in all areas of the body by building immeasurable strength in their core.
A Unique System
Pilates is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed over ninety years ago by Joseph Pilates.
It strengthens and tones muscles, improves posture, flexibility, balance, coordination, and connects the mind to the body. Created in German internment camps in WWI, Joseph Pilates developed this exercise system to be able to perform in an 8x8 space.
He taught fellow inmates and successfully spread his teachings throughout camps. Determined to strengthen their frail and sickly bodies, he attached springs to their beds to support patients' ailing limbs while he worked with them - and thus became the basis for the apparatus' used today in Pilates.
After Joseph immigrated to the US in the 1920's, Pilates became well known among dancers and performers in New York City. Since then, this method of body conditioning has seen a resurgence in popularity, being used in athletic programs for professional athletes, physical therapy patients, wellness programs, hospitals, schools, and individuals of all ages.
Balance of the Physical, Mental and Spiritual
Joseph believed that in order to achieve happiness, it is imperative to gain mastery of your body. His method evolved into a vision of an ideal lifestyle, attained only through balance of the physical, mental, and spiritual. Through focusing the mind to control the breath while strengthening and lengthening the body, mental vigor and improved blood flow return to inactive brain cells.
The small, stabilizer muscles that typically go dormant, are fired and activated in slow and controlled movements. Coupled with deep breathing, every movement derives from the core, or the "powerhouse"; bringing the navel to the spine in each full exhale. This renewed spirit of mind-body connection is the first step toward grace of movement, body awareness, and stress reduction.
By moving through each exercise, we are reteaching our body lessons in correct form and posture that directly improves function in our daily activities and physical performance - and consequently, joy.
The Perfect Compliment to Strength Training
Sometimes, the smallest movements are the most effective. Pilates is the perfect compliment to strength and conditioning programs and cardiovascular routines. Moves are performed on the mat, or using an apparatus like the Reformer, Cadillac, or Chair.
Regardless of the type of equipment you use, the focus on slow, concise movement is key. Allowing your mind to be in complete control of your body - and vise versa, is the beauty of this method. Oh, and you might just get that six pack you've always wanted, too.
So yes, it is
just
Pilates. And yes, it
will
change your life.
