What is Pilates?
“Pilates is a method of exercise, which aims to encourage the use of the mind to develop core postural muscle strength, stability and flexibility resulting in more efficient and graceful movement. This merging of the mind and body was originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s.
It is an exercise system that keeps the body balanced and is essential to provide support for the spine. “The Pilates Principles” assist in conditioning the entire body by focusing on: proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement. In essence Pilates teaches awareness of spinal alignment with deep core muscle recruitment which is essential for care and prevention of back pain, the rehabilitation of many musculoskeletal problems, and improvement of athletic and physical performance.
The deep core muscles which are the foundation of the Pilates exercises are the deep internal muscles of the abdomen, back and pelvic floor. Pilates trains the core muscles to become strong and work correctly with the more superficial muscles of the body resulting in efficient, painless movement. With increased core strength, stability in the entire body is achieved, which assists with a reduction of pain with movement and an improvement of physical performance.
The Pilates method focuses on quality over quantity. Pilates exercises do not include a lot of repetitions for each move but alternatively each exercise is done with precision. This achieves significant results in a shorter time than one would ever imagine.
Thus Pilates appeals to a wide range of people from all walks of life and fitness levels including athletes, dancers, seniors, pregnant women, new mum’s, and people at various stages of rehabilitation from injury. People that practice Pilates regularly report that the main benefits of Pilates are becoming stronger, leaner and more graceful and efficient with their movement.”
(Source: whatispilates.org) Just until I have the time to translate my own essay about Pilates :)
